On 14 August 2024, the Kuala Lumpur High Court swiftly granted a stay of deportation for Egyptian human rights defender and asylum seeker, Ahmed Hassanine Mohamed Mousa, in the hearing for Ahmed’s habeas corpus application this afternoon. The court also granted Ahmed access to his lawyers, and for the purpose of completing his refugee registration application lodged on 20 October 2023, representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.     Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) applauds the Kuala Lumpur High Court for this decision. Deportation would significantly threaten Ahmed’s life and freedom, as he has been arrested, tortured and arbitrarily detained* by Egyptian authorities for his involvement in peaceful protests prior to seeking asylum in Malaysia. The court decision is also crucial in enabling Ahmed to exercise his fundamental right of access to justice, which has been systematically denied by Immigration authorities whilst in detention.    The Malaysian Government has demonstrated itself to be capable of operationalising the principle of non-refoulement, via acceptance of the 29 May consent judgement to not detain or remove Bangladeshi UNHCR-registered refugee MA Quayum. Political will to improve rights of refugees and asylum seekers in the country, being evident in the state’s full acceptance of recommendations received from Canada and Germany in the Fourth Universal Periodic Review cycle to implement a legal and policy framework to recognise and protect this marginalised community. As a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Malaysia should lead by example by concretising these promising efforts.     SUARAM is thus hopeful to see the full compliance of the court order by the Immigration Department and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution - by immediately ceasing any plans to deport Ahmed, alongside providing Ahmed access to his lawyers and UNHCR representatives. Such actions would be significant steps in the direction of institutionalising a more compassionate and rights-based approach towards all refugees and asylum seekers, regardless of their registration status.

Pencadang:  Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Penyokong:  Pusat Pembangunan Rakyat Mandiri (MANDIRI) Bahawa forum “Hak Asasi Manusia Di Bawah Saifuddin Nasution” ini menggesa Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) untuk: Resolusi Berkenaan Kewarganegaraan: Gugurkan dua pindaan Perlembagaan Persekutuan berhubung kewarganegaraan yang regresif: Perkara 14(1)(b) Seksyen 1(a) Bahagian II Jadual Kedua: Ayat “mastautin secara tetap” jangan mansuhkan dari teks asal Jangan pinda Perkara 26(2) berkaitan dengan Perkara 15(1): “Tarikh perkahwinan” jangan digantikan kepada “Tarikh mendapat kewarganegaraan” Mewujudkan sebuah jawatankuasa khas, libatkan semua pemegang taruh seperti badan guaman, pakar akademik, badan-badan bukan kerajaan (NGO), kumpulan masyarakat sivil (CSO), aktivis, ketua-ketua komuniti tempatan, dan wakil-wakil dari pihak Kerajaan Persekutuan dan Kerajaan Negeri untuk menangani isu tanpa kewarganegaraan, khususnya di Sabah. Melaksanakan reform di peringkat pejabat Kerajaan, khususnya Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN), memastikan tatacara pengendalian piawai (SOP) yang telus, bersifat manusiawi, dan berlandaskan dengan Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Resolusi Mendesak Pemansuhan Akta Hasutan 1948 Moratorium Penggunaan Akta Hasutan: Kerajaan hendaklah mengenakan moratorium segera ke atas semua pendakwaan di bawah Akta Hasutan sehingga semakan menyeluruh dapat dijalankan. Semakan Menyeluruh Kes Siasatan: Semua kes yang sedang disiasat di bawah Akta Hasutan hendaklah disemak semula secara menyeluruh oleh pihak berkuasa yang berkaitan. Semakan ini hendaklah memastikan bahawa setiap dakwaan adalah berasas dan mematuhi prinsip keadilan serta tidak menyalahgunakan undang-undang untuk menyekat kebebasan bersuara. Resolusi Mendesak Pelaksanaan Suruhanjaya Bebas Aduan dan Salah Laku Polis (IPCMC) Pendedahan Data Kematian dalam Tahanan: Kerajaan hendaklah memastikan semua data mengenai kematian dalam tahanan dibuat secara terbuka dan boleh diakses oleh orang awam. Data ini hendaklah dikemas kini secara berkala dan merangkumi maklumat terperinci seperti punca kematian, lokasi, dan status siasatan. Penubuhan Jawatankuasa Semakan: Kerajaan hendaklah menubuhkan sebuah jawatankuasa untuk menilai semula rekomendasi mengenai pindaan Akta Suruhanjaya Bebas Kelakuan Polis (IPCC), selari dengan cadangan peruntukan di bawah Rang Undang-Undang Suruhanjaya Bebas Aduan dan Salah Laku Polis (IPCMC) untuk memperbaiki ketelusan dan akauntabiliti polis. Rasional: Resolusi ini digubal sebagai respons terhadap isu-isu mendesak berkaitan hak asasi manusia di Malaysia, terutamanya di bawah kepimpinan Menteri Dalam Negeri, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution. Ia bertujuan untuk menangani masalah kewarganegaraan yang berlarutan, khususnya di Sabah, dan untuk melindungi hak asasi individu yang terancam oleh Akta Hasutan yang lapuk. Selain itu, resolusi ini menggesa pelaksanaan IPCMC dan penggunaan kamera badan (body cam) bagi meningkatkan akauntabilitidan ketelusan pihak polis, serta memulihkan kepercayaan orang ramai terhadap institusi penguatkuasaan undang-undang.

One thing is clear from the Prime Minister Office’s reply to YB Yuneswaran Ramaraj’s oral question in Parliament on custodial deaths – its understanding of transparency and accountability in addressing and eliminating custodial deaths needs a significant overhaul. Making accurate data on all custodial deaths accessible at all times and re-opening investigations into past cases of custodial death and violence in custody perpetrated by law enforcement should be no-brainers compared to other systemic custodial death prevention efforts – implement them now without delay.  Inconsistencies worryingly still emerge between figures disclosed by different policymakers. Just last week, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution stated that there were 24 deaths in police custody between January 2022 and May 2024. This statistic makes no sense, when the government disclosed the same number last year for police custodial deaths for the year of 2022. It also does not account for the 22 deaths disclosed by the Prime Minister Office’s parliamentary reply for the year of 2023.  Furthermore, glaring discrepancies between media-reported prison and immigration custodial deaths and official figures persist. Suara Rakyat Malaysia’s (SUARAM) documentation and monitoring efforts yielded only one media-reported prison custodial death, and none for immigration in 2023 – which is significantly underreported considering the case numbers disclosed by the government. Having streamlined and openly accessible data that reflects actual death-in-custody prevalence sends a strong message to the public and families of victims of the state’s stance of zero tolerance against the phenomena, as well as allows for more constructive interagency and multisectoral crosstalk to effectively address the relevant root causes.  Whilst we commend the government’s disclosure of the prevalence of convictions for murder and manslaughter in custodial deaths, greater transparency is needed in terms of the proportion of law enforcement and the nature of neglect in cases of manslaughter.  The government’s non-committal stance to the question of reopening investigations of past custodial deaths allegedly caused by law enforcement is also highly concerning. Access to justice is usually obstructed for families of the deceased. Getting an inquest done is already a persistent challenge, what is more having a satisfactory one that also investigates the manner of death including the presence/omission of unlawful acts that caused or contributed to the condition of the deceased. Civil suits, unfortunately, constitute the primary recourse for many families who seek justice such as S Balamurugan’s or Karuna Nithi’s, dragging across at least  5 to 10 years before any closure is reached. These families should not be deprived of their fundamental right to equality before the law enshrined in Article 8 of the Federal Constitution.  This non-committal stance is also chillingly apparent in cases of survivors who were tortured in custody by law enforcement. 16-year-old Ang Kian Kok in 2017 who was also an eyewitness to Balamurugan’s death in police custody, and 18-year-old Mitheswaran a/l Kumar in 2021 are crucial examples. Despite intervention by the National Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), the government has not conducted independent and impartial investigations into their ordeals, punished the perpetrators involved, nor provided reparations to these boys.  A new commission to reopen investigations on past cases is not necessary at this stage, when there are existing oversight mechanisms in place.  On deaths and torture in the custody of enforcement bodies other than the police, we have the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC). EAIC has demonstrated commendable investigation expertise back when police custodial deaths were still under its jurisdiction, as evidenced by the comprehensive investigations done on the deaths of S Balamurugan and Soh Kai Chiok.  For police custodial deaths, however, renewed investigations must go hand in hand with amendments to the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Act to broaden IPCC’s scope of investigative powers. Unlike EAIC, IPCC’s investigative powers are limited, which would hamper the effectiveness of investigations conducted. Gaps that need to be addressed include IPCC being unable to conduct search and seizures without warrant, nor unconditionally compel persons to attend hearings and disclose sensitive information that are relevant for the investigation.  Notably, in May 2024, the government committed to setting up a special task force to fully implement EAIC’s recommendations to prevent custodial deaths, with the recommendations based on EAIC’s study covering the police and other enforcement agencies. Findings from renewed investigations by EAIC and IPCC of deaths and torture in custody can be used to improve the recommendations implemented by this special task force. It is also crucial that IPCC and the police be engaged as key stakeholders in the implementation process, as police custodial deaths are consistently among the top three in prevalence.  One cannot expect to effectively and holistically address custodial deaths by addressing longstanding factors on a selective basis. As we resound our calls for improved data transparency and renewed investigations on past cases of custodial deaths and torture in custody, we also strongly urge the government to initiate medium and long-term legislative and policy efforts to eradicate custodial deaths, among which include amending the IPCC Act to grant the Commission adequate investigative and disciplinary powers, amending relevant laws such as the Penal Code to concretise zero tolerance against torture, and ratifying the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

KEPADA AHLI PARLIMEN / To Members of Parliament DISEDIAKAN OLEH / Prepared by : SUARA RAKYAT MALAYSIA (SUARAM) 4 JULAI / JULY 2024 Note: The English version of this memorandum can be found below the Malay version. Mansuh Akta Hasutan Sekarang Kami, organisasi masyarakat sivil yang menandatangani ini, mengutuk tindakan kerajaan yang menyalahgunakan Akta Hasutan terhadap pengasas Borneo Komrad, Mukmin Nantang. Situasi ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa kebebasan bersuara - hak yang termaktub di dalam Perkara 10 Perlembagaan Persekutuan semakin terhakis. Kami menuntut Akta Hasutan, akta zaman penjajah ini untuk dimansuhkan dengan segera. Penangkapan dan Siasatan Terhadap Mukmin Nantang Membuka Jalan kepada Tindakan yang Lebih Autoritarian Siasatan hasutan yang dikenakan terhadap Mukmin Nantang menimbulkan kekhuatiran dari pelbagai aspek: Sejak terbentuknya kerajaan perpaduan, buat pertama kalinya undang-undang era kolonial digunakan untuk mendiamkan pembela hak asasi manusia. Sepanjang tahun 2023, Akta Hasutan banyak digunakan terhadap penentang politik yang mengkritik. Walhal, Perdana Menteri, Anwar Ibrahim pernah memberi jaminan kepada orang awam pada tahun lalu bahawa Akta Hasutan tidak akan digunakan terhadap mereka yang mengkritik beliau atau kerajaannya - termasuklah Menteri Dalam Negeri, Saifuddin Nasution, yang pada Mac tahun ini turut menyatakan bahawa kerajaan ‘tidak mahu menggunakan Akta Hasutan dalam isu-isu politik’. Sudah terang lagi bersuluh, janji-janji ini tidak ditepati. Kerajaan Perpaduan seperti juga kerajaan-kerajaan yang lepas, jelas  menggunakan Akta Hasutan ini untuk mendiamkan kritikan dan kebebasan bersuara.  Melihat kepada siasatan terhadap Mukmin, selepas penangkapan dan penahanan seorang guru dan lapan pelajar, ianya adalah sebahagian daripada taktik sistematik yang bukan sahaja menyekat suara komuniti Bajau Laut tetapi wacana awam yang lebih luas bagi memastikan kerajaan bertanggungjawab di atas pelanggaran hak asasi manusia  terhadap komuniti ini.  Malah, penangkapan Mukmin Nantang semasa beliau hadir untuk siasatan pada 27hb Jun 2024 secara sukarela, adalah perbuatan mala fide dan satu tindakan yang tidak berprofessional daripada pihak polis.  Dalam konteks ini, siasatan terhadap Mukmin membangkitkan kerisauan terhadap peningkatan penindasan yang lebih zalim dan tidak berperlembagaan terhadap kebebasan bersuara, satu hak yang dijamin dalam Perkara 10 Perlembagaan Persekutuan.    Akta Hasutan Menjadi Alat Pemerintahan Autoritarian dan Kebal dari Hukuman Selepas kerajaan perpaduan memegang tampuk kuasa, ruang awam menjadi terhad - salah satu faktor yang menyumbang adalah peningkatan salah guna Akta Hasutan. Pada tahun 2023 (sebanyak 121 kes), siasatan di bawah undang-undang ini meningkat kepada 133% berbanding tahun sebelumnya. Ini mengatasi bilangan kes tertinggi yang dicatatkan pada tahun 2020 (sebanyak 117 kes) dalam tempoh lapan tahun kebelakangan ini. Sepanjang tempoh enam bulan pertama tahun 2024, 18 kes baru berkaitan Akta Hasutan dilaporkan oleh media, dimana ini adalah lebih banyak daripada apa yang dilaporkan oleh organisasi masyarakat sivil, dimana empat pertuduhan dan satu didakwa - memecahkan rekod kerajaan terdahulu diantara tahun 2015 hingga 2023, yang secara konsisten setiap tahun hanya satu atau dua kes yang dituduh dan didakwa. Semua ini atas alasan melindungi negara daripada fitnah yang merosakkan, berita palsu dan penyebaran kebencian.  Pindaan Akta Hasutan tidak membantu untuk ‘mengurus isu-isu berkaitan 3R secara efektif’, termasuk membendung ucapan kebencian. Sebaliknya, peruntukan di dalam undang-undang tersebut menjadi alat kepada salah guna kuasa oleh kerajaan - tiada definisi khusus mengenai apa yang dianggap sebagai ucapan yang mempunyai ‘kecenderungan menghasut’ malah tiada keperluan membuktikan niat oleh pihak pendakwaan bagi memulakan siasatan dan pertuduhan. Meminda undang-undang kuno ini tidak akan mengubah status quo selama 76 tahun - dimana kerajaan hari ini mentakrifkan sendiri apa bentuk ekspresi yang sah mengikut kehendak mereka. Ini hanya akan mengukuhkan lagi sikap penapisan kendiri (self-censorship)  dimana akan menghalang perdebatan awam yang konstruktif dan penyertaan demokratik.  Malah, kerajaan harus memahami bahawa, sebarang percakapan hanya boleh disekat sekiranya ia membawa ancaman atau bahaya. Ini ternyata dalam piawaian hak asasi manusia antarabangsa. Menurut Artikel 19 (3) Waad Antarabangsa mengenai Hak Sivil dan Politik (ICCPR) , apabila sesuatu percakapan perlu disekat kerana ianya bahaya atau membawa ancaman, ianya harus mengikuti 3 ujian ini (i) Ianya diperuntukkan di bawah undang-undang dan undang-undang itu tidak boleh berat sebelah (provided by law) ; (ii) untuk tujuan yang sah – seperti keselamatan negara, keselamatan awam dan isu kesihatan (legitimate aim) ; dan (iii) perlu dan berkadar (necessary and proportionate) .  Mengambil pendekatan yang lebih menghukum (punitive approach)  dengan memperkukuhkan penggunaan Akta Hasutan juga mengurangkan keterbukaan kerajaan kepada libat urus konstruktif dengan pihak berkepentingan lain yang mempunyai sudut pandang berbeza seperti masyarakat sivil, sekaligus menjadikan pelanggaran hak asasi manusia yang kritikal mencabar atau bahkan mustahil untuk ditangani. Misalnya, Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) sukar untuk diakses oleh organisasi masyarakat sivil dimana Saifuddin kekal tidak membalas pelbagai permintaan untuk mesyuarat bagi isu-isu pindaan regresif seperti hak pemberian kerakyatan kepada ibu yang berwargenegara Malaysia dan individu tanpa kerakyataan dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan, pengusiran paksa masyarakat Bajau Laut, pindaan kepada Akta Kesalahan Keselamatan (Langkah-Langkah Khas) 2013 dan keperluan reformasi kepada Suruhanjaya Bebas Tatakelakuan Polis (IPCC). Kebebasan bersuara dan berekspresi adalah nadi kepada demokrasi. Halangan yang terlalu luas, sembarangan dan tidak berperlembagaan ini adalah sifat autoritarianisme. Dalam erti lain, Akta Hasutan tidak dapat diselamatkan dan tiada tempat di Malaysia. Ia perlu dimansuhkan.  Tuntutan Kami kekal dengan tuntutan kepada pihak kerajaan untuk memansuhkan Akta Hasutan. Kami juga mendesak agar usah ini disempurnakan dengan: Melaksanakan moratorium ke atas penggunaan undang-undang ini sementara menunggu pemansuhan, dan; Menerima sepenuhnya dan melaksanakan enam cadangan mengenai pemansuhan Akta Hasutan yang diterima semasa kitaran keempat Penilaian Berkala Sejagat atau (Universal Periodic Review) .  Selain daripada menggunakan Akta Hasutan sebagai alat untuk mendiamkan aktivis yang menyuarakan kebenaran dan penindasan terhadap komuniti terpinggir, sudah tiba masanya KDN bertindak dengan prinsip kemanusiaan dan menegakkan hak asasi manusia.  Kami menegaskan bahawa pentingnya untuk pihak KDN melakukan dialog dan kerjasama yang konstruktif dengan pihak berkepentingan akar umbi termasuk organisasi masyarakat sivil sebagai usaha berkesan dan kolaboratif merentas sektor bagi menangani pelanggaran hak asasi manusia dalam isu-isu berkaitan kewarganegaraan, migrasi, jenayah dan keselamatan negara.  (English version) Repeal the Sedition Act Now We, the undersigned civil society organisations, are alarmed by the increasing erosion by the state of the public’s constitutional right to freedom of expression through abuse of the Sedition Act, especially seen in last week’s arrest and investigation of Borneo Komrad founder Mukmin Nantang. We demand the immediate repeal of the Sedition Act.  Arrest and Probe of Mukmin Nantang Sets Precedent for More Authoritarian Crackdowns   The sedition probe of Mukmin Nantang is chillingly significant on many fronts.  This is the first time, since the unity government came into being, that the colonial-era legislation is used to silence a human rights defender.  Throughout 2023, the Sedition Act was limited to clampdowns on criticisms by political dissenters. Notably, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has assured the public last year that the Sedition Act would not be used against those who criticise him and the government, as did Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution in March this year that the government ‘does not want to use the Sedition Act in political issues’. These promises are all already broken. The unity government thus is no different from its predecessors in using the Sedition Act to suppress criticism and stifle freedom of expression. The sedition probe mirrors the slew of repressive actions by the Perikatan Nasional government using the Sedition Act to silence members of the media and activists.  Significant examples include investigations against Cynthia Gabriel for her letter titled ‘Anti-corruption rhetoric will never purify the unelected Perikatan Nasional government’, and the raid of the Al-Jazeera office following their broadcasted documentary on the poor handling of undocumented migrants during the Movement Control Order in 2020.  The sedition probe against Mukmin, given the arrest and detention of a teacher and seven students, are part of systematic tactics to stifle not only the voices of the Bajau Laut community but also wider public discourse that can hold the state accountable  in its human rights violations against this community.  Moreover, the arrest of Mukmin Nantang during his voluntary appearance for investigation on June 27, 2024, was an act of bad faith ( mala fide ) and unprofessional conduct by the police. In this context, the investigation of Mukmin raises concerns about the escalating and unconstitutional oppression of free speech, a right guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. Sedition Act Breeding Ground for Authoritarian Rule and Impunity After the unity government came into power, civic space has become more restricted, with the increase in abuse of the Sedition Act as one of the main contributing factors. Investigations in 2023 (at 121 cases) spiked by a whopping 133% compared to the previous year, surpassing even the highest record in 2020 (at 117 cases) over the last eight years. Within just the first six months of 2024, there are already 18 new media-reported Sedition Act cases, which is more than that documented by civil society within the same period last year. Out of these 18 media-reported cases, there are already 4 charges and 1 conviction – breaking even the government’s own records of Sedition Act charges and conviction numbers between 2015 and 2023, which has consistently been at one or two cases annually.   In this context, the investigation against Mukmin thus marks a concerning precedent for increasingly draconian and unconstitutional infringements on freedom of expression, a fundamental right that is guaranteed in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution - all in the perverse name of shielding the nation from destructive slander, fake news and seeds of hatred. Amending the Sedition Act does not help ‘effectively manage 3R issues’, including to curb hate speech. On the contrary, its provisions are breeding grounds for abuse of power by the state - having no specific definition of what constitutes speech with ‘seditious tendency’, and not at all requiring proof of intent by the prosecution to initiate investigations and charges. Amending this archaic law will not change the 76-year-old status quo - whereby the government of the day defines at its whims what are ‘legitimate’ forms of expression. This will only further entrench the climate of self-censorship, which hampers constructive public debate and democratic participation.  Moreover, the government must understand that freedom of expression can only be restricted if it poses a threat or danger to others. This is clearly enshrined in international human rights standards. According to Article 19(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), an interference with freedom of expression is only legitimate when it meets the three-part test: (i) it is provided by law and the law must not be biased, (ii) it serves a legitimate aim, such as national security, public safety or health issues, and (iii) it is necessary and proportionate.  Taking a more punitive approach via strengthened implementation of the Sedition Act also reduces the government’s receptivity towards constructive engagement with other stakeholders that have disparate viewpoints such as civil society, thereby making critical human rights violations challenging or even impossible to address. The Ministry of Home Affairs, for instance, has been inaccessible to civil society, whereby Saifuddin has remained unresponsive to the multiple requests for meetings submitted by civil society organisations on issues such as regressive amendments to the Federal Constitution on citizenship conferral rights of Malaysian mothers and statelessness, forced eviction of the Bajau Laut community, amendments to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2013 and need for reform to the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC). Freedom of speech and expression is the lifeblood of democracy. Restrictions against this fundamental freedom that are overly broad, arbitrary and unconstitutional are thus tantamount to authoritarianism. In short, the Sedition Act is unsalvageable and has no place in Malaysia. It must be repealed. Demands As we resound our calls to the government to abolish the Sedition Act, we also urge that this effort be concretised by: Implementing a moratorium on application of the legislation pending repeal, and Fully accepting and implementing the six recommendations on repealing the Sedition Act that were received during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review Instead of weaponising the Sedition Act to silence activists who speak up on truth and against oppression of the marginalised, it is high time that the Ministry of Home Affairs adopts a human rights-based approach as it discharges its mandate. We thus call on the Ministry of Home Affairs to prioritise consistent and constructive dialogues with grassroots stakeholders including civil society, as part of effective and collaborative cross-sectoral efforts to address human rights violations in citizenship, migration, crime and national security. Memorandum ini disokong / This memorandum is endorsed by : Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Buku Jalanan Chow Kit Dewan Muda Alternatif (DMA) Pusat Pembangunan Rakyat Mandiri (MANDIRI) TEROKA by MUDA Suara Mahasiswa UMS HAYAT ARTICLE 19 Shah Fariq Aizal, IRI Generation Democracy (Malaysia) Liga Rakyat Demokratik Young Lawyers Movement CIVICUS Undi18 Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) Gabungan Marhaen MISI: Solidariti Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) Potere al Popolo! (PaP) Italy Pemuda Sosialis (PS) Pertubuhan Siragugal Sungai Siput (U) Perak  Tindak Malaysia  Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture) Pertubuhan Jaringan Kebajikan Komuniti (JEJAKA) Borneo Komrad Persatuan Kebangsaan Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (HAKAM) Empower  Justice for Sisters  Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (MUDA) Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) Women in Power  Amnesty International Malaysia (AIM) Gabungan Pilihan Raya Bersih dan Adil (BERSIH) KRYSS Network

CIVICUS, SUARAM, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), FORUM-ASIA, and ARTICLE 19 are concerned that the Malaysian government has failed to accept recommendations made at the UN’s Human Rights Council to respect and protect civic freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. These actions are inconsistent with the government’s commitments to undertake human rights reforms and call into question Malaysia’s credibility as a member of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). In February 2024, Malaysia’s human rights record was   reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council  during its Universal Periodic Review (UPR). 348 recommendations were issued, including on respect for civic freedoms. Among the recommendations made were to ratify human rights treaties, repeal restrictive laws, and ensure the protection of human rights defenders. The adoption of the outcome report is   scheduled  for 5 July 2024 in Geneva. During its last review in 2018, the Malaysian government accepted recommendations to sign and ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a core human rights treaty ratified by 174 countries globally. However, the government appears to have backtracked on this commitment by failing to accept recommendations to do so, making the country an outlier on this key treaty. Our organisations are concerned that the government failed to accept any recommendations to review or repeal laws that curtail freedom of expression, such as the Sedition Act 1948, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA), and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA). Since the Anwar Ibrahim government came to power, our organisations have documented how the state has continued using these laws to criminalise human rights defenders, the opposition, and critics.  The CMA in particular is one of the most significant threats to freedom of expression in Malaysia. It has been used to criminalise online expression and block social media posts, critical websites, and blogs.  The authorities routinely abuse the colonial-era Sedition Act to stifle dissent, as highlighted by the recent investigation of youth activist   Mukmin Nantang  for his peaceful advocacy for the rights of the Bajau Laut people, an Indigenous community in East Malaysia. Notably, this is the first time the sedition law has been used to target a human rights defender under the current government. The PPPA has been used to raid bookstores like   Toko Rakyat  in August 2023 and ban books. The government is also mulling over expanding the scope  of the PPPA to regulate digital media, which could severely threaten media freedom and freedom of expression for online content publishers.  At the same time, progress has been slow on the promised enactment of Right to Information legislation and establishment of the Malaysian Media Council. The government also did not accept recommendations to revise the Peaceful Assembly Act, which is discriminatory and has been used to restrict and criminalise protests.  The law criminalises anyone who organises an assembly without giving the required notice five days in advance, and lacks an exception to the notice requirement for spontaneous assemblies. It also makes it a criminal offence for people under 21 years old to organise an assembly and for children to attend an assembly. Further, non-citizens are also denied the right to organise or participate in protests, which is discriminatory.  Over the last two years, the government has continued to harass protesters for organising and participating in peaceful protests. The police have systematically called activists for questioning before and after the assemblies, including for protests in support of women’s rights, labour rights, and land rights, protests in solidarity with the Palestinians, as well as those critical of the government. Additionally, the state failed to accept recommendations to protect human rights defenders - who continue to face arrests, harassment, threats, and online violence. Land rights activist Chong Yee Shan is on trial for   blocking a forced eviction  of farmers in October 2023, where she was assaulted by a government official. At the same time, no one has been held accountable for the threat on the life of lawyer and human rights defender Siti Kassim after a   bomb  was found under her car in July 2023. As a UN Human Rights Council member, we urge the Malaysian government to review its regressive decision not to accept the UPR recommendations on civic freedoms and take its role seriously. The government can start by ratifying core treaties, especially the ICCPR and immediately review and abolish restrictive laws that silence dissent. We also urge the government to create an enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders to carry out their fundamental work to promote and protect human rights.

As Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) marks the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), we commemorate all victims and survivors of torture. Despite Malaysia’s unwavering condemnation of genocide and use of torture in the Israel-Occupied Palestinian Territories, we are ironically among the few countries worldwide that has yet to internationally commit to zero tolerance against torture. SUARAM thus demands that the Malaysian government live up to international standards to which we hold other governments accountable – by ratifying UNCAT now. Torture in custody is still a recurring issue within Malaysia, with obstructed access to justice a widespread reality for victims, survivors and their families. Based on SUARAM’s past and current cases, the majority of victims and survivors are still denied independent and impartial investigations by the state into their ordeals, even years after having endured torture at the hands of law enforcement. This also mercilessly applies to youth in conflict with the law, namely 16-year-old Ang Kian Kok in 2017 who was also an eyewitness to Balamurugan’s death in police custody, and 18-year-old Mitheswaran a/l Kumar in 2021. Despite intervention by the National Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), the government has neither punished the perpetrators involved nor provided reparations to these boys. Ignoring these past and ongoing injustices is unbefitting for a government that has extensively preached MADANI values and tooted their own horn about the commitment to accountability. As we reiterate our call to the government to explicitly commit to ratify UNCAT during the Universal Periodic Review Outcome Report adoption session next week, we also demand that zero tolerance against torture be concretised by: Investigations of past and ongoing cases of torture in custody, with unhindered access to reparation and rehabilitation for victims and survivors; Full implementation of the Mendez Principles on Effective Interviewing, which offer guidance on information gathering during criminal investigations whilst protecting human rights, and; Alignment of domestic legislations and policies, including the Federal Constitution, with UNCAT to effectively prohibit torture and create positive environments that reinforce accountable administration of justice

Sejak terbentuknya kerajaan perpaduan, buat pertama kalinya undang-undang ‘ketinggalan zaman’, Akta Hasutan digunakan terhadap pembela hak asasi manusia (HAM), iaitu kepada pengasas Borneo Komrad, Mukmin Nantang yang cuba untuk mendedahkan isu-isu penindasan. Hanya pada tahun lalu, mengikut dokumentasi SUARAM, Seksyen 186 Kanun Keseksaan dan undang-undang fitnah telah digunakan terhadap pembela HAM semasa berlakunya pengusiran paksa petani di Kanthan. Situasi sebegini jelas menunjukkan kemunduran kepada kebebasan bersuara seperti yang terjadi sewaktu pandemik, apabila Akta Hasutan dan Seksyen 233 Akta Komunikasi dan Multimedia disalahgunakan secara berleluasa oleh kerajaan Perikatan Nasional untuk mendiamkan pembela HAM dan media daripada melakukan pendedahan kritikal terhadap isu-isu pelanggaran HAM. Siasatan terhadap Mukmin selepas penangkapan dan penahanan seorang guru dan lapan anak muridnya baru-baru ini - susulan daripada himpunan #KamiMahuAir, jelas sekali menunjukkan bahawa kerajaan tidak berprinsip kepada rakyat dan hanya mementingkan kredibiliti dan reputasinya sahaja. Kerajaan hari ini dilihat mengabaikan komitmen yang dibuat untuk meningkatkan akauntabiliti negara serta tanggungjawab asas untuk menegakkan kebebasan bersuara seperti yang termaktub dalam Perkara 10 Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Penyalahgunaan Akta Hasutan secara terang-terangan ini menjadikan komitmen yang dibuat oleh kerajaan perpaduan pada Mac tahun ini untuk meminda undang-undang tersebut dilihat tidak bermakna. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) dengan tegas mengkritik siasatan polis terhadap Mukmin dan menuntut agar siasatan tersebut dihentikan serta-merta. Kami juga menyeru kerajaan untuk memansuhkan Akta Hasutan dan mengukuhkan usaha ini dengan: Melaksanakan morotarium ke atas penggunaan undang-undang tersebut sementara menunggu pemansuhan, dan Menerima dan melaksanakan sepenuhnya enam cadangan mengenai pemansuhan Akta Hasutan yang diterima semasa kitaran keempat Penilaian Berkala Sejagat.

Since the unity government came into being, the investigation by the Semporna police against Borneo Komrad founder Mukmin Nantang under the Sedition Act marks the first time that the archaic law is abused to crack down on whistleblowing efforts by human rights defenders (HRDs). Among the few cases documented over the last 1.5 years such as the forced eviction of farmers in Kanthan, Section 186 of the Penal Code and defamation laws were primarily used against HRDs. This sets a concerning precedent for further regression of freedom of expression to pandemic levels - when the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act were rampantly misused by the Perikatan Nasional government to silence HRDs and the media for exposing critical state-perpetrated human rights violations. By targeting Mukmin after the recent arrest and detention of a teacher and eight of his students post-#KamiMahuAir rally, it is clear that the government unscrupulously prizes its credibility and reputation. This is at the complete expense of commitments made to improving state accountability, and the government’s foundational duty to uphold freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. Such blatant abuse of the Sedition Act also renders the commitment made by the unity government in March this year to amend the legislation insignificant. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) unequivocally condemns the police investigation against Mukmin, and demands that it be ceased immediately. We also call on the government to abolish the Sedition Act, and concretise this effort by: implementing a moratorium on application of the legislation pending repeal, and fully accepting and implementing the six recommendations on repealing the Sedition Act that were received during the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review

Permit tidak diperlukan untuk menganjurkan perhimpunan aman. Perkara ini telah diperkukuh oleh Ketua Polis Negara pada 4 Mac tahun ini, malah termaktub dalam Akta Perhimpunan Aman melalui keperluan penganjur untuk memaklumkan polis lima hari sebelum perhimpunan. Oleh itu, hentikan amalan lama ini yang mengelirukan orang ramai untuk mempercayai bahawa permit diperlukan untuk protes menjadi 'sah', dan sebaliknya melindungi hak mereka untuk berhimpun secara aman, iaitu hak asasi yang dijamin di bawah Perkara 10(b) Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Mana-mana orang awam boleh menganjurkan dan mengambil bahagian dalam perhimpunan aman tanpa perlu menghadapi ugutan dan tindak balas daripada mana-mana pihak, kerana ia adalah saluran yang sah untuk bersuara mengenai isu-isu berkepentingan. Sehubungan dengan itu, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) menggesa polis Kota Kinabalu untuk memudahkan demonstrasi aman #KamiMahuAir esok, dan memastikan keselamatan penganjur dan peserta yang hadir. Justeru, pembaharuan sistemik perlu dilakukan untuk memastikan hak untuk berhimpun secara aman dihormati secara konsisten oleh kerajaan. Keterbukaan kerajaan untuk memperkemas pemberitahuan perhimpunan aman harus dibuktikan dengan usaha dengan menjalankan pengumpulan input daripada pihak berkepentingan, termasuk masyarakat sivil.

No permits are needed to organise peaceful assemblies. This fact is reinforced by the Inspector-General of Police on 4 March this year, also enshrined in the Peaceful Assembly Act via the requirement of organisers to notify the police five days before the assembly. Thus, stop this longstanding practice of misleading the public into believing that permits are needed for protests to be ‘legal’, and protect their right to peacefully assemble instead, a fundamental right that is guaranteed under Article 10(b) of the Federal Constitution. Any person can and should be able to organise and participate in peaceful assemblies without facing intimidation and reprisals from any party, as assemblies are a legitimate vehicle to speak up on issues of interest. In this regard, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) urges the Kota Kinabalu police to facilitate tomorrow’s #KamiMahuAir peaceful demonstration, whilst ensuring the safety of organisers and participants present. On a wider note, systemic reforms need to be undertaken to ensure that the right to peacefully assemble is consistently respected by the state. The government’s expressed openness to streamlining notifications of peaceful assemblies should be concretised by efforts to conduct stakeholder engagements, including civil society, to gather input.

The consent judgement recorded yesterday before the Kuala Lumpur High Court in MA Quayum’s habeas corpus application was a hopeful ray of light amidst Malaysia’s longstanding notorious track record of arresting, arbitrarily detaining and deporting refugees and asylum seekers. Recognising the high risk to physical safety that Quayum and his family continues to experience since 2008 due to state persecution, the Malaysian government has not only commendably upheld the inalienable right to life under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution, but also demonstrated itself to be capable of operationalising the principle of non-refoulement. Following from this positive precedent, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) urges the MADANI government to concretise efforts in strengthening transnational responsibility in human rights protection, especially in view of our nation’s current membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council and the upcoming chairpersonship in ASEAN next year. On this note, we call for the following: Full acceptance and implementation of recommendations received during the 4th Universal Periodic Review on having a comprehensive legal and policy framework that will recognise and protect refugees and asylum seekers, as well as provide them with basic rights to work, education and healthcare. Issuance of official confirmation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to visit immigration detention centres and monitor conditions of detained refugees and asylum seekers. Consistent observance of the international principle of non-refoulement. Aside from refugees and asylum seekers, this principle should also be applied to protect human rights defenders who seek refuge in Malaysia due to life-threatening state reprisals. A media statement by lawyers Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Kee Shu Min and Lee Yee Woei on behalf of MA Quayum can be found here: https://www.amerbon.com/blawg/mediastatement-on-m-a-quayums-case

It is as clear as day that the ‘Search for Missing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’ is a public assembly consisting of activists seeking long overdue justice for Teoh Beng Hock’s death. Police investigations against the assembly under Section 4A of the Election Offences Act is thus a blatant act of intimidation that deprives the people of their fundamental right to approach and speak to policymakers about their issues. These tactics are not new, especially against activists peacefully assembling outside Parliament for the same purpose – the #LawanLapar assembly was a recent one last year, with Section 186 of the Penal Code used as a basis for investigations. The police’s alleged threat to arrest activists during the assembly, followed by questions and investigations under Section 504 of the Penal Code are just as inexcusable, being attempts to delegitimise pursuit of justice as ‘civil disobedience’ that is justifiably repressed by ‘rule of law’. It is both ironic and noteworthy that these police investigations are completely antithetical to the commitment that Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim made just hours before on the same day to table the proposal that every leader, including himself, be responsible for ‘looking after a village to have first-hand knowledge of problems’ faced by locals. To be keen on calling ‘all community representatives in the village’ to hear their issues but not respond to multiple active attempts by a civil society organisation over 17 months on a case of unjust death in custody only conveys double standards that cast doubt on how serious the government in upholding the justice, transparency and accountability agenda. The police must immediately discontinue the probe against Ng Yap Hwa and Teoh Lee Lan.  It is also imperative that the Prime Minister no longer delay meeting Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy on their demands and make concrete commitments to hold the relevant perpetrators accountable.