Suaram: Court decision a step back in democracy

However Court of Appeal's ruling against peaceful assembly will be celebrated by those who seek to undo the progress on human rights, says its executive director.

KUALA LUMPUR: Suaram, the human rights organisation, is disappointed with the Court of Appeal’s ruling to depart from the previous decision declaring Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 unconstitutional, said its executive director, Sevan Doraisamy.

He said the decision by the Court of Appeal last year in regard to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 was a great step forward for human rights and freedom of assembly.

“Undoubtedly, this decision will be celebrated by those who seek to diminish and undo the progress of human rights and freedom of assembly in Malaysia.

“In line with the Federal Constitution and international law it is unthinkable and deplorable that the Court of Appeal would deliver a judgment that contravenes human rights,” he said in a press statement here today.

Sevan recalled Justice Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus as saying that such a decision reflected the political interest and motivation of certain quarters in the judiciary.

“This will undoubtedly reinforce the view that these individuals in the judiciary are no more than impotent and weak-willed followers of a dictator that care not for the wellbeing of Malaysia,” he said.

He added that now there would be more persecution and prosecution of individuals who took part in rallies.

He urged the Federal Court to put an end to this farce and ensure that Malaysians would enjoy the freedom to assemble as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution.

Sevan said Suaram appealed to the attorney-general and the police to cease the prosecution of rally organisers pending the appeal to the Federal Court.

He said failing to do so would reinforce the perception that the police and the Attorney-General’s Chambers were another tool of the government.