KUALA LUMPUR: Suhakam has registered its dismay over the police’s use of the Sedition Act against a Form Five student who clicked ‘Like’ on the “I Love Israel” Facebook page.
Calling it an “overreaction” on the part of the police, Suhakam chairman Hasmy Agam also blamed the teachers concerned for mishandling the situation to the extent that the basic rights of the student were threatened.
He said, “It is unfortunate to note that the teachers concerned had failed to handle the matter responsibly as educators.”
Hasmy also lamented that the incident and reactions to it went “contrary to the spirit and articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Malaysia is a state party.”
He also said, “Such an incident is another example of how the Sedition Act can restrict freedom of expression.”
The student has been under heavy criticism and threats since the incident, prompting Suhakam to call on all relevant parties to act with discretion when dealing with matters concerning the social media and views expressed online.
“Suhakam urges all parties to practise restraint and not to partake in actions that promote ignorance and hatred,” Hasmy said.
He also said Malaysians should strive harder to exercise respect and tolerance towards each other.
Suhakam urged the Ministry of Education to incorporate human rights in the school curriculum to promote better respect and understanding of the basic rights of all citizens, including students.
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