The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) have expressed their concern over recent attempts and measures taken by the authorities, saying such actions not only restrict and but also limit the fundamental rights of Malaysians.
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27, 2015:
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) have expressed their concern over recent attempts and measures taken by the authorities, saying such actions not only restrict and but also limit the fundamental rights of Malaysians.
Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam said among the rights affected by these restrictions are the freedom of movement, freedom of expression, freedom of information and press freedom among others.
“The Commission is deeply concerned at the various forms of discrimination by the authorities against people based on their political affiliations,” he said in a statement today.
He said Suhakam was appalled at the decision of the Home Ministry to impose a three-month suspension of the publishing permits of two business newspapers owned by The Edge Media Group, purportedly for publishing articles on 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
“We also regret the decision by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block access to the Sarawak Report website on the grounds of national security and public order.”
Hasmy said Suhakam firmly believes that all Malaysians have a right to freedom of information and access to differing opinions.
He called on the authorities to immediately revoke the suspension order of the publishing permits of the two newspapers and to respect and ensure press freedom, adding that it was also important to preserve the independence and diversity of the media.
Hasmy said another perplexing decision taken by the authorities was to to limit the freedom of movement of several individuals, opposition politicians and human rights activists in particular.
He pointed out that to date the Immigration Department had failed to inform all persons affected by the travel ban the reasons for the decisions.
“Such restrictions appear to be arbitrary, unreasonable and disproportionate, contradicting not only national legislation, but also international law and human rights norms.”
He urged the authorities to immediately clarify the current situation concerning the travel ban, and to notify all citizens whose exit from Malaysia is restricted.
Hasmy said the Immigration Department must provide sufficient opportunity to appeal the decision of the department.
He reminded the authorities that any action taken must be in accordance with existing laws and not ultra vires to the provisions of the Federal Constitution.
He said the authorities must be mindful of Malaysia’s international image and standing, taking into account Malaysia’s membership of, and constructive contributions to important organs of the United Nations both in the past and at present.
Hasmy urged the judiciary to deal with these cases in a fair and just manner in the best traditions of an independent and impartial judiciary.