It is heartening to note that politicians from both sides of the divide have condemned the circulation of photos that relate to the private life of Elizabeth Wong. We are however disappointed that she continues to be hounded by the media despite her decision to resign from all posts, and that she is compelled to seek sanctuary abroad as she is unable to find solitude within our own shores. We appeal to all right-thinking Malaysians to express our revulsion and outrage at the unscrupulous conduct of the culprits. This unacceptable invasion of an individual’s private life is an injustice that affects us all. Our laws are inadequate to deal with a breach of privacy but we, the public, can take personal responsibility in ensuring that the spread of this information is stopped in its tracks. In this connection we call for a rejection of all news providers that spread this private information and who unnecessarily sensationalise the issue. We also call on each member of the public to do what s/he can to stop its dissemination. For example, if someone sends you this information by instant text messaging or by e-mail, delete it without opening it and discourage its further circulation.
We would also call on the media to refrain from further sensationalising this issue and to allow investigations to be completed. The media must uphold the highest principles of responsible, ethical and respectful journalism, and accede to Elizabeth Wong’s heartfelt plea to be left alone.
The Bar Council is organising a public forum to address the plethora of issues that have been raised, including the right to privacy, the link between a politician’s private and public life, and whether adequate legal safeguards exist to protect an individual’s right to privacy.
Details of the public forum are as follows:
The Bar Council is organising a public forum to address the plethora of issues that have been raised, including the right to privacy, the link between a politician’s private and public life, and whether adequate legal safeguards exist to protect an individual’s right to privacy.
Details of the public forum are as follows:
| Title | : | “Privacy: Does it exist in Malaysia? Is it time to legislate?” |
| Date | : | 27 February 2009 (Friday) |
| Time | : | 5.00 – 7.30 pm |
| Venue | : | Bar Council Auditorium |
| 13, 15 and 17 Leboh Pasar Besar | ||
| 50050 Kuala Lumpur | ||
| Speakers | : | a) YB Dr. Zulkifli Ahmad, MP for Kuala Selangor |
| b) Fui K Soong, CEO of INSAP (MCA’s Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research) | ||
| c) Sonya Liew Yee Aun, Malaysian Bar | ||
| d) Andrew Khoo Chin Hock, Malaysian Bar |
To register or make inquiries, kindly call (03) 2031 3003 and speak with Mazni (x101) or Faizal (x185).
Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan
President
Malaysian Bar
20 February 2009
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