The Centre for Independent Journalism is alarmed that even academicians are not spared now.
PETALING JAYA: The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is alarmed that the Sedition Act is being used to thwart the freedom of expression of academicians as well.
Speaking on behalf of CIJ, directors Sonia Randhawa and Jac SM Kee said, “This constitutes a threat to the fundamental liberty of freedom of expression guaranteed in our Constitution.”
They were referring to the charge of sedition levelled at Universiti Malaya associate professor of law, Azmi Sharom saying, “The censuring of an academic for giving an opinion in their area of expertise is also a threat to academic freedom in Malaysia.”
CIJ said that too liberal a use of the Sedition Act would stunt the function of universities and institutions of higher learning to the point it could not function appropriately.
“Restrictions must be necessary and proportionate. To censure legal opinion without demonstrating the threat to national security, public order or public morality is unnecessary and disproportionate,” the statement read.
The journalist body was also sceptical of the government’s statement that sedition charges were “a matter for the courts”.
“In Malaysia, the Attorney-General is both the chief legal adviser to the government as well as having the power to initiate proceedings for any offence.
“The combination of both functions in one person has led to allegations of bias or selectivity in the institution of criminal proceedings,” CIJ said especially when it was used by the government against its political opponents.
CIJ also said the continued use of the Sedition Act “makes a mockery” of the Prime Minister’s legislative reforms and his pledge to repeal the act more than two years ago.
Speaking on behalf of CIJ, directors Sonia Randhawa and Jac SM Kee said, “This constitutes a threat to the fundamental liberty of freedom of expression guaranteed in our Constitution.”
They were referring to the charge of sedition levelled at Universiti Malaya associate professor of law, Azmi Sharom saying, “The censuring of an academic for giving an opinion in their area of expertise is also a threat to academic freedom in Malaysia.”
CIJ said that too liberal a use of the Sedition Act would stunt the function of universities and institutions of higher learning to the point it could not function appropriately.
“Restrictions must be necessary and proportionate. To censure legal opinion without demonstrating the threat to national security, public order or public morality is unnecessary and disproportionate,” the statement read.
The journalist body was also sceptical of the government’s statement that sedition charges were “a matter for the courts”.
“In Malaysia, the Attorney-General is both the chief legal adviser to the government as well as having the power to initiate proceedings for any offence.
“The combination of both functions in one person has led to allegations of bias or selectivity in the institution of criminal proceedings,” CIJ said especially when it was used by the government against its political opponents.
CIJ also said the continued use of the Sedition Act “makes a mockery” of the Prime Minister’s legislative reforms and his pledge to repeal the act more than two years ago.
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