The Centre for Independent Journalism is again calling for the repeal of the Sedition Act, a reinstatement of the moratorium and a halt into the investigation of Lokman Adam under the Act. The Pakatan Harapan government has repeatedly said that they would not use the Act to curb dissent, even after the moratorium was lifted, and yet repeatedly are using the Sedition Act to curb dissent. With the investigation of Lokman Adam under this Act, they demonstrate once again why it needs urgent repeal to prevent the Executive from being tempted to commit human rights violations.
The Pakatan Harapan government appears to be working to outstrip the previous regime in the number of freedom of expression violations it can commit. While the rhetoric of the new Ministers is in line with the election manifesto, the actions, particularly in terms of sedition investigations, do not reflect these commitments.
CIJ reminds the government that they were elected on the basis of a manifesto that promised the repeal of the Sedition Act; and which promised that the government would strive to make Malaysia’s human rights record internationally respected. If they want to be taken seriously next time they make election promises, there needs to be a firm commitment on both these matters. We call for a halt into the investigation of Lokman Adam, and all others being investigated under the Sedition Act; a reinstatement of the moratorium; and repeal of this colonial law and its bedfellow the Printing Presses and Publications Act in the next Parliamentary sitting.
For further information, contact Sonia Randhawa via cijmalaysia@gmail.com