“No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press... (Sec. 4, 1987 Philippine Constitution)”
Malaysia: Backsliding on Rights (Part III) »
The government appealed a 2011 Kuala Lumpur High Court ruling that a “license to publish is a right, not a privilege,” therefore requiring review of the government’s “improper and irrational” unwillingness to issue a license to the largest on-line newspaper, Malaysiakini, to publish a daily print edition. An amendment to the Evidence Act provides that computer [...]
Malaysia: Backsliding on Rights (Part II) »
Government harassment of human rights defenders continued in 2012, Human Rights Watch said. In response to spurious allegations by Jaringan Melayu Malaysia, an organization with close ties to Malaysia’s leaders, the government pursued a politically motivated investigation of Suaram, a leading Malaysian human rights organization in operation since 1989. At least six government agencies are [...]
Malaysia: Backsliding on Rights (Part I) »
BANGKOK /01 February 2013 – Prime Minister Najib Razak’s promised reforms did not significantly improve legal protections for basic liberties in Malaysia, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2013. Press restrictions, the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, and intimidation of rights groups exposed the limits of government adherence to internationally recognized [...]
Malaysia: Security Bill Threatens Basic Liberties »
BANGKOK/11 April 2012–The government of Malaysia’s proposed law to replace the infamous Internal Security Act (ISA) of 1960 opens the door to a range of future abuses, Human Rights Watch said today. On April 10, 2012, the government submitted the Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill 2012 to parliament, where quick ratification is expected. The administration [...]
Malaysia: ‘Sexual Diversity’ Festival ban Needs Court Review »
NEW YORK/29 February 2012 – The Malaysian government should not seek to block judicial review of the 2011 ban on the Seksualiti Merdeka (“Sexual Diversity”) festival, Human Rights Watch said today. The Kuala Lumpur High Court will hear the case filed by festival organizers on March 1, 2012. The government is opposing judicial review of [...]
