Dangerous Precedent to Human Rights Violations

PROHAM expresses shock and deep concern over the manner in which certain authorities are exercising their administrative powers which are now being seen as curtailment of freedom of speech, expression, freedom of movement and press freedom.

The travel bans and suspension of the newspaper is now being feared as heralding an old era of human rights restrictions and potential glooming clouds of the climate of fear.

PROHAM is of the view that such action without a proper hearing in complying with ‘natural justice' is a major setback to parliamentary democracy and human rights in Malaysia.

We recognise that both Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli are elected Members of Parliament. 

We also recognise that it is part of their duty to the nation to expose any potential financial abuse of power by anyone in the Executive without fear or favour exposure to 

The two MPs and the Edge Media Group owner Datuk Tong Kooi Ong are in the forefronts of the controversial revelations of the 1MDB funds.

PROHAM calls on the Cabinet to exercise tremendous caution on this matter. Malaysian society wants to know the truth over the alleged revelations of misdoing. There are also the ongoing investigations of the Taskforce on this matter.

PROHAM calls on the authorities to undertake their duties without fear or favour which is consistent with fundamental human rights.

We reiterate our earlier call for an independent Royal Commission on the 1MDB so as to restore public confidence.

We call on the authorities to uplift the travel bans and suspension of the Edge in the interest of democracy and human rights in Malaysia.

Issued on behalf of Proham by Datuk Kuthubul Zaman (Proham Chairman) and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (Proham Secretary General)

July 25, 2015