Don’t be a crybaby, just uphold free speech, government told
“If people can comment on Rosmah’s dressing,” he said, referring to the former prime minister’s wife, “why can’t they comment on Lim’s son?
(FMT) – Activists have urged Pakatan Harapan (PH) to do better in upholding freedom of speech and expression in the wake of investigations into individuals who recently criticised government leaders and their families.
Former Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng came under police scrutiny after a Facebook post questioning Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s son, who was snapped purportedly wearing a Givenchy jacket worth £887 (RM4,700).
Activist Zainnal Ajamain meanwhile was reported to the police over his Facebook status comparing Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal with the state’s former leader, Musa Aman.
Suaram adviser Kua Kia Soong said PH politicians and their supporters should stop being “crybabies”. Instead, he said, they should focus on not only upholding but raising the bar of free speech.
Speaking to FMT, he said there was no reason why people should be unable to criticise politicians.
In Tan’s case, he said, there was no harm in questioning what politicians or their children wore. Zainnal’s criticism of Shafie, he added, was a “fair” comment.
“If people can comment on Rosmah’s dressing,” he said, referring to the former prime minister’s wife, “why can’t they comment on Lim’s son?
“Of course, it is anyone’s right to file a police report, but I do not see any reason for the cops to act on such reports.”
Lawyers for Liberty adviser N Surendran said it was unacceptable to criminalise speech.
In both cases, he said, a defamation suit could have been filed by those who felt they had been defamed.
“PH leaders and politicians cannot expect special protection from the police whenever they are defamed.
“I’m shocked that these leaders are keeping quiet while the police are investigating their critics.”
Surendran, a former MP, said this was precisely what the police during the Barisan Nasional-era would have done against government opponents.
“The home minister must instruct the police to stop using the criminal law against critics and opponents of PH leaders,” he added.
