Malaysian Bar president George Varughese has said that the legal practitioners’ body will continue to voice its concerns over the continued use of oppressive laws such as the Sedition Act 1948, the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota), the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca), and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
According to Varughese, the Malaysian legislative landscape need not be left in a time capsule by keeping regressive laws from the colonial era.
"These laws ought to be repealed, as existing laws are sufficient to address the threats of crime and terrorism. If found insufficient, the solution lies in amending existing non-draconian laws or enacting new laws that observe the rule of law.
"The Malaysian Bar calls upon the government to demonstrate full commitment to its election manifesto by abolishing such oppressive laws without further delay," he said.
He was speaking at the official opening of the legal year this morning at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.
The Malaysian Bar attended this year’s event after boycotting it last year, due to then chief justice Md Raus Sharif staying on as the top judicial officer after his mandatory retirement.
Hasty legislation
Varughese further highlighted the Bar’s concerns over certain laws such as the Anti-Fake News Act 2018, which was passed a month prior to the 14th general election.
He described the act as having been rushed through Parliament despite containing numerous flaws which raised many questions regarding its content, intent, and impact.
"The government must never legislate in haste," he reminded the Pakatan Harapan government.
The Bar president also called on the judiciary to be bold and independent in their decisions, and to make it a standard practice for all courts to give reasons when delivering judgments.
"Such judgments should at least consist of broad grounds to inform aggrieved parties of the reasons behind their judicial outcomes," he said.
Speakers at today’s event included attorney-general Tommy Thomas, as well as representatives from the Advocates Association of Sarawak and the Sabah Law Society. - Mkini
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