Pas Reminds Harapan To Abolish Laws Suppressing Free Speech

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PAS today reminded the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government of the party’s promise to abolish laws that are repressive on the rakyat’s right to freedom of speech.
ADSThis followed a landmark ruling by the Federal Court, which struck down a provision under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) which requires rally organisers to give a five-day notice to authorities.
Lauding the decision, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said it was a clear message that the people shall not be denied their basic rights through laws that are repressive or excessive.
“Following this historical court ruling, PAS strongly urges the government to take the appropriate actions towards reviewing PAA in its entirety, so that the law would truly reflect the spirit of the federal constitution and basic human rights principles.
“On top of this, the government has to seriously review and repeal law provisions that can be abused to restrict freedom of speech, including the Sedition Act, Communications and Multimedia Act, Printing Presses and Publication Act, and others.
“This is also in line with Harapan’s electoral promises in their 15th general election manifesto,” he said in a statement.
Yesterday, a five-member bench led by just-retired Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat delivered a unanimous ruling deeming Section 9(5) of the PAA unconstitutional, in relation to a challenge brought by former Muda secretary-general Amir Hariri Abdul Hadi.
Tengku Maimun said Section 9(5) of the PAA imposes a punishment that exceeds the limits permitted under Article 10(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech, assembly, and association.
She also described the section as “a disproportionate intervention” that amounted to a prohibition rather than a restriction on the guaranteed rights.- Mkini

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