We were not consulted, says deputy minister on Paulsen's appointment

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Zahidi Zainul Abidin claimed that he was unaware of human rights lawyer Eric Paulsen's appointment as a member of the ministry's consultative council.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Zahidi claimed that Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah had decided on Paulsen's appointment without prior consultation.

"We did not know about this. The deputy minister, secretary-general [...] was not consulted.

"This is the minister's decision," said Zahidi when contacted for comments over backlash against Paulsen's status as a member of the council chaired by Saifuddin.

Among others, Paulsen was accused of defending "deviant views" that goes against Islam and had previously hurt the feelings of Muslims in Malaysia.

Zahidi further said that any explanation over Paulsen's appointment should be obtained directly from Saifuddin.

"We (the ministry or deputy minister) cannot issue an explanation. The minister must answer," said the Padang Besar MP.

Malaysiakini has contacted Saifuddin for comments.

Earlier today, Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki joined the ranks of PN politicians who questioned Saifuddin over Paulsen's appointment.

Asyraf claimed if the appointment was done based on Paulsen's background in law and human rights, there were many others with similar credentials who are more moderate in their views and with a better understanding of the limitations on freedom of expression.

Aside from his current appointments, Paulsen is also known as co-founder of human rights NGO Lawyers for Liberty.

Taking to Twitter, LFL founder N Surendran said the attacks on Paulsen is a reflection of long-standing divisive politics in Malaysia.

"Attack someone on religious/ideological grounds to enhance the attackers’ standing with their support base.

"The absurdity/falsity of the allegations doesn’t matter one jot to them [...]," said the former Padang Serai MP.

Last year, PAS raised similar objections against Paulsen's appointment as Malaysia's representative to the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights 2019-2021, also by Saifuddin as then foreign minister under the Pakatan Harapan administration.

Paulsen sparked an outcry in 2015 over his claims that the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has promoted extremist views through the Friday prayer sermon speech texts. - Mkini