Proham is disapointed with the position taken by the PM in his recent speech that the Sedition Act will not be repealed but strengthened by new provisions.
The Prime Minister missed a good opportunity to make a public declaration on the need for a stronger culture for democracy, human rights and good governance which is consistent with the UDHR.
Proham had called for the repeal of the Sedition Act. There is a need to strengthen compliance to human rights and the need to address the perceived 'culture of fear' in speaking up on abuses.
PM statement has not raised the major weakness of the current wording of the Sedition Act which does not provide for intention of what was spoken to be reviewed in Court.
There is therefore an urgent need to balance constitutional provisions on matters pertaining to race, religion, royalty which we endorse but at the same time balance with freedom of speech in compliance with global human rights standards.
Issued on behalf of Proham by Datuk Kuthubul Zaman & Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria
Nov 27, 2014
No comments:
Post a Comment