SUARAM – Suara Rakyat Malaysia – Working for Human Rights

No More Excuses, Moratorium against Draconian Laws Immediately

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) is appalled by the statement by Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad with regards to the repeal of the Sedition Act 1948.

The Sedition Act 1948 is a colonial heritage that has restricted freedom of expression throughout its existence and continues to harass human rights defenders and political activists today. The Barisan Nasional administration itself recognized the flawed nature of the Sedition Act 1948 and promised to repeal the Sedition Act 1948 during the 3^rd Universal Periodic Review for Malaysia. While the Barisan Nasional has since retracted that position for their political interest, the spirit for the repeal of the Sedition Act 1948 did not disappear with the ‘U-turn’ by Barisan Nasional.

ANWAR NEEDS TO REVEAL HIS NATIONAL PLAN, NOT JUST PD’S

Press statement by Kua Kia Soong, SUARAM Adviser 1.10.2018

Now that Anwar Ibrahim’s destiny as 8^th prime minister draws potentially closer with the costly PD by election, Malaysians wait with bated breath for him to reveal his vision for the country when he takes over from the current PM. So far, we have only heard his plans to “make PD great again”, promising development to the area as in any other constituency in an election.

NEW MALAYSIA A HAVEN FOR PLASTIC WASTE?

Press statement by Kua Kia Soong, SUARAM Adviser 26.9.2018

Not content with being the eighth worst country worldwide for the production of plastic waste, we now learn that local factories are importing and recycling plastic waste from Western countries amongst others, after China had banned imports of such plastic waste. We are told there are more than 114 plastic recycling factories that are active all over Malaysia and that does not include the illegal plastic waste factories.

MPS SHOULD VACATE SEATS WHEN THEY LEAVE THEIR PARTY

Press statement by Kua Kia Soong, SUARAM Adviser 20.9.2018

Those Members of Parliament who have resigned from the coalition under which they stood during the GE14 have an ethical obligation to vacate their seats because they were elected based on their coalition affiliation. They forfeit their seats either when they leave the party/coalition, switch parties or are expelled before they finish their term.

A HIGH-INCOME COUNTRY WITH RM1050 MINIMUM WAGE?

Press statement by Kua Kia Soong SUARAM Adviser 18.9.2018

Dr Mahathir touted the aspiration of becoming a high-income country by 2020 at least three decades ago when he launched Vision 2020. Beyond the catchy phrase, we must question what such a goal represents for ordinary Malaysians. Firstly, what do mean/average numbers represent in practice for people living at the bottom end of the spectrum of grossly divergent incomes, and secondly, if this is our goal, are we on track? Thirdly, if not, what needs to be in place to ensure we are on track in moving towards such an aspiration?