SHAH ALAM, 1 Apr: The state Backbenchers Club (BBC) criticised the detention of media practitioners under the Sedition Act because it contradicts with the freedom of expression that is enshrined in the constitution.
BBC representative, Ng Suee Lim, described the arrest as an attempt to intimidate media practitioners.
“The BBC as one declare our solidarity with activists and media practitioners and urge the government to immediately stop arresting media practitioners (Sedition Act) and instead respect the spirit of free speech,” he said during a press conference at the Annex Hall lobby today.
The call was in reference to several incidents where media practitioners have been detained under the Sedition Act, including the arrest of three senior editors for The Malaysian Insider (TMI) portal on March 30.
Meanwhile, Lau Weng San (DAP-Kampung Tunku) said that the move was not balanced and in conformity with the Prime Minister’s voice that states that Malaysia is a simple country.
“The BBC believes that although there were things wrong in the report, there is no need to use draconian Acts to arrest media practitioners in lockup, wear indecent clothes with handcuffed hands.
“Ops Lalang 2.0 has returned. So far, over 100 individuals have been arrested, investigated and detained under the Sedition Act and other various Acts,” he said.
NS
