LETTER | The United Nations commends the newly elected government under the leadership of Dr Mahathir Mohamad on its swift efforts to implement the manifesto that is very much aligned to the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The UN notes in particular the recent announcement by the Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin about the review of laws such as the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, Sedition Act 1948, Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, Prevention of Crime Act 1959, Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015, and of the mandatory death sentence.

Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malaysia said, “We are supportive of the efforts by Malaysia to review these laws in consultation with the National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam), NGOs and social activists.

“The UN and its agencies stand ready to provide technical assistance and policy advice to support the government’s efforts in implementing its manifesto that has a strong focus on ‘leaving no one behind’, good governance, and the realization of human rights.

“It is significant that the repeal of oppressive laws in accordance with international norms and standards is carried out as a priority.”

It is also encouraging to note that the manifesto promises to uphold freedom of the press and that to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act 2018 is the key agenda undertaken by Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo in his first day in office.

Priesner added, “Freedom of the press is one of the very cornerstones of democracy, enabling media to contribute as the ‘fourth pillar’ of democracy in addition to legislature, executive and judiciary.

“Freedom of the press is crucial to human rights, sustainable development, democracy and peace.”

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