The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has demanded that the government explains its travel ban on several MPs, allegedly for criticising the growing 1MDB financial scandal.
The commission is “appalled” by the manner in which the government has handled the 1MDB scandal, particularly in suspending two business publications under The Edge Media Group and banning opposition MPs from travelling abroad, Sukaham chairperson Hasmy Agam said today.
“The commission also regrets the unexplained and perplexing decision of the Immigration Department of Malaysia to limit the freedom of movement of several individuals, glaringly opposition politicians and human rights activists.
“To date, the department has failed to inform all persons affected by the travel ban the reasons for its decision.
“Such restrictions therefore appear to be arbitrary, unreasonable and disproportionate, contradicting not only national legislation, but also international law and human rights norms,” Hasmy ( photo ) said in a statement today.
“In this regard, the commission urges the authorities to immediately clarify the current situation concerning the travel ban, and to notify all citizens whose exit from Malaysia is restricted, including those restrictions that have been imposed illegally or erroneously, as well as to provide sufficient opportunity to appeal the decision of the department in each case.
“The commission reminds the authorities that any action taken must be strictly in accordance with existing laws and not ultra vires the provisions of the Federal Constitution, and shall be consistent with internationally accepted human rights principles,” Hasmy added.
The Home Ministry confirmed last Friday that DAP Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua and two other individuals have been barred from leaving the country in relation to the ongoing 1MDB probe.
However, Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar did not reveal the identities of the other two, one of whom is believed to be The Edge Media Group owner Tong Kooi Ong.
'Access to info basic right'
Pua has been the most prominent critic of 1MDB and a member of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that is currently investigating the scandal, while The Edge has been running numerous articles alleging misconduct in the Finance Ministry sovereign fund.
“Suhakam expresses serious concern over the recent series of attempts and measures taken by the authorities in the wake of the still unfolding and unresolved national controversy affecting the country, by restricting and limiting the fundamental rights of Malaysians.
“The commission also regrets the incomprehensible decision by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block access to the Sarawak Report website on the grounds of national security and public order,” Hasmy said.
He said all Malaysians have a right to freedom of information and access to differing opinions, and called for the permits of the two publications of The Edge to be restored.
The commission, Hasmy said, also urges the government to “respect and ensure respect for press freedom, as well as to preserve the independence and diversity of the media”.
He reminded the government that Malaysia’s current membership on the United Nations Security Council demanded that the country follows international human rights principles.
