Bar critical of Thomas' book, but says ban is excessive

 

The Malaysian Bar may not have a positive view of former attorney-general Tommy Thomas' memoir but believes banning the book would be excessive.

In a statement today, its president Salim Bashir said the Bar was perturbed by a proposed ban on the book.

"Thomas is free to voice his views, and those who disagree with him are allowed to criticise him.

"However, such disagreement does not warrant a ban on Thomas’s memoir," Salim said.

He added that the book did not violate any of the limits to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

Since its publication last month, Thomas' memoir titled My Story: Justice in the Wilderness has courted a long list of police reports, threats of legal action and a Home Ministry probe that could lead to a ban.

Salim had been among those critical of the book.

In one statement, he said the book needed to balance freedom of expression with the public interest and the administration of justice.

This is after the memoir was criticised for being allegedly contemptuous of ongoing court proceedings.

Salim also said the memoir had inaccurately represented the Attorney-General's Chambers as being incompetent.

Nonetheless, in his statement today, he said banning the book would make Malaysia no different than an autocratic country which rejected any differing views.

"Almost all ideas and views have the capacity to offend someone.

"Diversity in thought should be valued, and although parties may not necessarily agree with each other, individuals should be allowed the freedom to have their own views and to express them.

"As long as these views do not imperil the safety of our society and our country, the Malaysian Bar urges everyone to respect the right of Malaysians to voice their views," he said. -Mkini