The Star
While the ROS had the discretion whether to approve or refuse an application for registration under the Societies Act 1966, Hasmy said that limiting the number and restricting new applications were inconsistent with the principles of human rights as these curtailed the right to form an association and the right to freedom of expression.
He said Suhakam had recommended in its 2007 annual report that the ROS’ exercise of powers should be proportional to the purpose of the Act and be transparent.
Among others, it had also recommended a review of Section 5 which gives the minister absolute discretion to declare a society unlawful and for applicants to be given the right to be heard.
Kedah Gerakan youth chief Tan Keng Liang said that control on the number of political parties would only result in the formation of illegal political movements, reports P. ARUNA.
“I don’t see how the existence of more parties could be a threat to the people and the country,” he said, in urging the Government to reject the ROS proposal.
KUALA LUMPUR: Limiting the number of societies and restricting new applications are inconsistent with the principles of human rights, said Suhakam yesterday.
Its chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam said this in expressing the national human rights organisation’s concern over the Registrar of Society’s (ROS) recommendation that the number of political parties be capped at 33.
“The will of the people forms the basis of the Government’s authority, thus the citizens have the right to select their representatives.”
He said the right to take part in Government was enshrined in Article 119 of the Federal Constitution and Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Its chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam said this in expressing the national human rights organisation’s concern over the Registrar of Society’s (ROS) recommendation that the number of political parties be capped at 33.
“The will of the people forms the basis of the Government’s authority, thus the citizens have the right to select their representatives.”
He said the right to take part in Government was enshrined in Article 119 of the Federal Constitution and Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
While the ROS had the discretion whether to approve or refuse an application for registration under the Societies Act 1966, Hasmy said that limiting the number and restricting new applications were inconsistent with the principles of human rights as these curtailed the right to form an association and the right to freedom of expression.
He said Suhakam had recommended in its 2007 annual report that the ROS’ exercise of powers should be proportional to the purpose of the Act and be transparent.
Among others, it had also recommended a review of Section 5 which gives the minister absolute discretion to declare a society unlawful and for applicants to be given the right to be heard.
Kedah Gerakan youth chief Tan Keng Liang said that control on the number of political parties would only result in the formation of illegal political movements, reports P. ARUNA.
“I don’t see how the existence of more parties could be a threat to the people and the country,” he said, in urging the Government to reject the ROS proposal.
No comments:
Post a Comment