Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has again drawn attention to its call to repeal the Sedition Act 1948 after Seri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer’s recent arrest and charge.
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has again drawn attention to its call to repeal the Sedition Act 1948 after Seri Delima assemblyman RSN Rayer’s recent arrest and charge.
Acting chairman Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee said in a statement today that the commission’s concern was that the continued use of the Act against MPs and state assemblymen posed the potential for the Act to be abused.
He said it recognised the exceptions to the privileges and immunities enjoyed by Members of Parliament and state assemblymen as stated under Article 63(4) and 72(4) respectively under the Federal Constitution, which made leaders liable to proceedings if they were charged with an offence under the Act in question.
However, they saw the importance “for the authorities to ensure the proportionality of punishment against MPs and state assemblymen with due regard to existing measures as provided under the Standing Orders of Parliament and Assembly,” said Khaw.
He added it would further restrict MPs’ and Assemblymen’s freedom to debate issues and perform their duties effectively.
“In this regard, Suhakam urges the Attorney-General to reconsider the necessity for prosecuting Seri Delima state assemblyman RSN Rayer under the Sedition Act for his impolite remarks, which can be dealt with under the Assembly Standing Orders.”
He called for the government to fulfil its commitment to repeal the Act in a bid to uphold citizen’s right to freedom of speech, protected under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
