/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/05/38d12bc8e7ea533cd486368834f12ede.jpg)
Activist's lawyer blasts use of public-funded bodies to shield PM's image
Activist Hishamuddin Rais' lawyer has criticised the use of publicly funded state apparatus such as the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers to protect Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s personal reputation.
“If the prime minister feels insulted, he has the right to file a civil suit in court,” said N Surendran, speaking to Malaysiakini.
Summary
N Surendran wants the investigation against Hishamuddin Rais to be stopped immediately.
The lawyer says if PM feels insulted, he has the right to file a civil lawsuit.
Activist Hishamuddin Rais’ lawyer has criticised the use of publicly funded state apparatus such as the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers to protect Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s personal reputation.
“If the prime minister feels insulted, he has the right to file a civil suit in court,” N Surendran told Malaysiakini.
Police had questioned Hishamuddin this morning over several allegations, including one for allegedly insulting the prime minister.
Surendran, who is also Lawyers for Liberty’s legal adviser, described the investigation as baseless and unlawful, and called for it to be halted immediately.
"This is a democratic country, the people have the right to speak, and it is not a criminal offence for anyone to criticise - harshly or gently. The public has the right to criticise, including the prime minister.
"Therefore, we believe this investigation is groundless, unlawful, and should be stopped immediately,” he added.
According to Surendran, the investigation is being carried out under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The government cannot use police resources funded by the public, nor can it use the manpower of the police or the Attorney General’s Chambers to defend the prime minister’s reputation. That is wrong and unacceptable.
“This is what happened during today’s statement recording session. Hishamuddin was summoned and investigated solely for criticising the prime minister. This should not happen in a democratic country,” the lawyer stressed.
Meanwhile, Hishamuddin said he was asked about 20 questions - most of which he plans to answer in court.
The questioning was in response to 30 police reports lodged over a video recording of a speech he delivered during an anti-corruption rally in Kuala Lumpur on June 28.
/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2025/07/7e42409f5692f1201d42531566cbaed0.jpg)
/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/07/d295ddfae6a5af4a2dfe34c82c73a94c.jpg)
/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/08/7bbc92219c125551d447349915aa5e5f.jpg)
/file/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2024/06/b413b51e418f0c8e1246ed9acf8ba090.jpg)
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.