Opposition allies PAS, PKR and DAP have submitted a memorandum to the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam), over the three-month suspension of two party organs from Monday.

suhakam suara keadilan 250309 02 PKR information chief Tian Chua, PAS information chief and Harakah editor Mahfuz Omar and DAP’s Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching complained that the Home Ministry’s action was no coincidence and called on Suhakam to carry out an investigation.

Suhakam secretary Hashimah Nik Jaafar accepted the document on behalf of the commission at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. About 30 supporters turned up to show support for the parties.

Chua pointed out that this is a critical period with the Umno general assembly in progress and three by-elections scheduled for April 7 in Batang Ai (Sarawak), Bukit Gantang (Perak ) and Bukit Selambau (Kedah).

“It is clear that the suspension was politically motivated… They are trying to stop the political parties and freedom of (expression),” he claimed.

“We are a legal party and we represent a large number of people around Malaysia…When our newsletters are suspended, the (ministry is also suspending) freedom of information and speech.”

Harakah and Suara Keadilan have been suspended for three months from March 23, while DAP is said to be facing difficulty in renewing its publishing permit for its organ The Rocket .

No official reasons have been given for the suspension.

syed hamid albar The three parties, in saying that the ministry should explain the suspension, also condemned Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar’s claims that the party organs have distorted and fabricated issues, and incited hatred of the government.

Mahfuz said those unhappy with the reports could always take the publications to court for such claims to be adjudicated.

“The minister’s action is tantamount to superceding the power of the courts,” he said.

‘Respect people’s rights’

Teo echoed his view, saying that the ministry should not be allowed to act as judge, jury and executioner in determining the fate of publications.

suhakam suara keadilan 250309 teo nie ching “The ministry has no right to decide what news people should read or what news should be banned,” she said.

“Malaysians have the right to decide this for themselves. I hope that the government will respect the right of the people and freedom of information.”

The Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA) governs publishing and printing operations by requiring an annual licence to be obtained.

This can be revoked at any time by the Home Minister, whose decision cannot be challenged in court.

Advocates of press freedom and freedom of expression have long called for review of the harsh provisions of the PPPA and repeal of the licensing clause, which has led to self-censorship in the print media.