by Theleaders-Online | March 2, 2020 8:24 am
MAJU is gravely concerned by reports that Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, Liew Liang Hong, Wong Yan Ke, Nik Azura Bt Nik Nasron, A. Sivarajan have been summoned and are being investigated over the peaceful gathering held at Dataran Merdeka on 29 February 2020.
It is MAJU’s clarion call that the police authorities should immediately cease harassing these individuals and to stop investigating them under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988.
MAJU notes that Fadiah Nadwa Fikri has been singled out by the police, notwithstanding that she and thousands others who were present at the gathering, were merely voicing their disappointment and frustration at the current Malaysian political situation and over the circuitous behaviour by politicians in a tussle for power.
MAJU urges the police and the government of the day to exercise wisdom by upholding and protecting the constitutional rights of Malaysian citizens to freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of assembly, more so during this perilous time in our country.
The use of the Sedition Act 1948 to repress legitimate expression is contrary to international and universally accepted principles of human rights. The freedom of expression is a fundamental right to a democratic society and to the integrity of the Malaysian constitution and legal system. To continue using such archaic and draconian law in Malaysia is a contravention of Malaysia’s international law obligations as a member of the United Nations, Commonwealth and ASEAN.
Unless repealed so that it will be consistent with international law, the Sedition Act 1948 will continue to unduly limit and repress the freedom of expression of human rights defenders, and of all Malaysians exercising their fundamental rights such as seen in the current threat of investigations against Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, Liew Liang Hong, Wong Yan Ke, Nik Azura Bt Nik Nasron, A. Sivarajan.
MAJU therefore urges the police and the Malaysian government of the day to:
i. cease all acts of harassment against Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, Liew Liang Hong, Wong Yan Ke, Nik Azura Bt Nik Nasron, A. Sivarajan;
ii. pledge that the physical and psychological integrity of Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, Liew Liang Hong, Wong Yan Ke, Nik Azura Bt Nik Nasron, A. Sivarajan are preserved at all times and in all circumstances;
iii. ensure that human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards and international instruments are adhered to;
iv. facilitate the freedom of expression and the freedom of assembly, instead of muzzling the citizens of Malaysia;
v. repeal the Sedition Act 1948 and all oppressive provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988.
Let’s MAJU together for Malaysia
Malaysian Action for Justice and Unity
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of The Leaders Online.
Source URL: https://theleaders-online.com/drop-the-case-against-fadiah-nadwa-fikri-and-four-others/
Copyright ©2024 The Leaders Online unless otherwise noted.