PH reminded of free speech after PAS man’s arrest over remarks against DAP

Universiti Malaya law professor Azmi Shahrom.

PETALING JAYA: Law professor Azmi Shahrom has criticised the arrest of a PAS member over social media comments on DAP lawmakers, calling the move reminiscent of acts under the previous Barisan Nasional (BN) administration.

The Universiti Malaya academic said based on reports, the comments by the PAS member did not appear threatening in nature. He also warned the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government to avoid detaining people over political comments.

He was responding to reports that a 40-year-old PAS member in Sarawak had been arrested after voicing hope that four DAP MPs would “perish” for failing to organise a back-to-school campaign in their constituencies.

He was detained following a report lodged by an assistant to Lanang MP Alice Lau. He is being investigated under Section 223 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 507 of the Penal Code, with reports on Sunday saying he had tested positive for methamphetamine.

Azmi said the arrest was disappointing, and urged DAP to reaffirm its dedication to freedom of expression.

Lawyers for Liberty executive director Latheefa Koya also hit out at the arrest, saying it was unacceptable to detain the man under such legislation.

“It is not a criminal matter,” she told FMT. “If the DAP members are unhappy with the posting, they can sue.

“DAP members are not entitled to protect themselves using criminal law. This is exactly what BN and Umno used to do.”

However, lawyer Syahredzan Johan said that while he supported freedom of speech, the PAS member appeared to have “crossed the line” by wishing that the MPs would “perish”.

“I would say that it is beyond legitimate criticism,” he said, adding however that the authorities should not have used Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

Syahredzan, who is the political secretary of DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang, said investigating the matter under Section 507 of the Penal Code should be enough.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo previously said the government intended to amend Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act to prevent abuse.

He said many had complained in the past that Section 233 was used primarily against opposition members, some of whom were now part of the government. - FMT