National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) calls for all enforcement agencies to continue to support Malaysia’s ongoing journey towards stronger civil liberties.

This comes after three activists — Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, Marina Mahathir and Ambiga Sreenevasan — were reported to be under investigation by the police over their alleged involvement in a peaceful rally at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday.

“Police investigations against expressions of dissent may constitute a form of harassment and, if left unchecked, may create a chilling effect in which citizens self-censor or restrain themselves from fully exercising their right to freedom of expression in fear of threats of legal sanctions.

“Suhakam hopes that Malaysia’s continuing positive journey towards a maturing space for civil liberties and basic freedoms will be strongly supported by all enforcement agencies and that public expressions of dissatisfaction will receive a measured and lenient approach from the authorities,” said Suhakam in a statement today.

Freedom of speech and expression are guaranteed by Article 10 of the federal constitution, they said, and action taken against those exercising these rights in expressing their dissatisfaction surrounding the appointment of Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister may constitute a violation of those rights.

It is an indication of a mature and open democracy when there are expressions of legitimate criticisms and grievances, especially when it comes to public processes.

“Such disagreements should not be punished as they are often the sole avenue for citizens to express their feelings of disenfranchisement,” they said.

However, Suhakam cautioned that forms of expression which spread or promote racial or religious hatred, intolerance or racism can be restricted.

All parties should remember the recognisable limited scope of permissible restrictions on those exercising their right to protest, they said.