A group of 21 opposition MPs today issued a statement calling Putrajaya to stop all "harassments" on whistleblowers and those who speak out against the scandal implicating MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki.
This comes after Azam filed a defamation suit against journalist Lalitha Kunaratnam, who had written about the former’s share ownership in two publicly listed companies.
The MPs also criticised the anti-graft body for lodging a police report against Lalitha, which led to the authority opening an investigation against her.
"The government should not go after whistleblowers and those who have spoken up against the purported misdeeds of Azam.
"Police investigations pursuant to police reports lodged by the MACC against Lalitha, who exposed the alleged company shares being owned by Azam and those which may be held in proxy by his younger brother is clearly a harassment by the MACC," the statement said.
It was reported yesterday that Azam had filed a suit against Lalitha, which his lawyer said was done in order to protect his reputation and professional standing.
Azam had previously issued a letter of demand to Lalitha via his lawyers, demanding an apology and RM10 million in damages.
The 21 MPs also said that police resources should not be used to investigate those speaking up about the MACC scandal.
They claimed that it was unnecessary for the police to call up several groups including the PKR Youth and Simpang Renggam MP Maszlee Malik for protesting against alleged inaction by authorities in the MACC scandal.
Investigate Azam
"Instead of wasting valuable police resources and time on people speaking up in the public interest on these issues, the authorities should focus on thoroughly investigating Azam.
"The government should cooperate with whistleblowers who have released damaging evidence and acknowledge their contributions instead of treating them like wrongdoers."
They also urged for an independent investigation to be carried out against Azam and that the special Parliament sitting to discuss flood issues this Jan 20 be extended to include discussions about the allegations against the top anti-graft official.
The 21 MPs who signed the statement are Sivarasa Rasiah (Sungai Buloh), Maria Chin (Petaling Jaya), Maszlee (Simpang Renggam), Teresa Kok (Seputeh), Mukhriz Mahathir (Jerlun), Kasthuri Patto (Batu Kawan), Hassan Abdul Karim (Pasir Gudang), Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Ledang), Sim Tze Tzin (Bayan Baru), Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai), Akmal Nasir (Johor Bahru), Salahuddin Ayub (Pulai), Amin Ahmad (Kangar), Muhamad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau), Natrah Ismail (Sekijang), Cha Kee Chin (Rasah), June Leow (Hulu Selangor), Ngeh Koo Ham (Beruas), Thomas Su Keong Siong (Kampar), Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena), and Mujahid Yusof Rawa (Parit Buntar).
Intimidation on journalists
In a similar sentiment, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) also criticised Azam's civil suit against Lalitha.
They said that the action was seen as a form of intimidation against a journalist, whom CIJ said reported on a matter of public interest.
"This move by Azam is seen as a form of intimidation and reprisal against a journalist, who in good faith provided evidence and research-based news articles on a matter of public interest.
"This defamation suit further calls into question Azam’s role, as a public official, who in his own professional capacity should be working towards the elimination of corruption in the country and upholding the media’s rights to report on news related to said matters.
"It is the media’s role to investigate and report on matters that would impact the trust and credibility of public institutions as necessary means of ensuring transparency and holding them accountable.
"Initiating litigation against the media is akin to denying the public’s right to know and access information that would enable them to make informed decisions and form opinions. This form of retaliatory lawsuit is used to deter the freedom of expression and speech by intimidating watchdogs and critics, such as the media or activists who safeguard our democracy; and financially drain their resources," CIJ said.
Urged to withdraw suit
The organisation called Azam to withdraw the defamation suit and that the government review its Whistleblowers Act to expand and strengthen its functions.
"To that end, we call on the following recommendations to be adopted at once. Azam must, without any delay, withdraw the defamation suit and stop the harassment against the journalist.
"The state to guarantee a safe and enabling environment for media by reviewing and amending defamation laws that are often used as retaliation and harassment against the media reports which are critical of public institutions or individuals holding public office.
"The Whistleblowers Act 2010 must be reviewed, and its scope of protection expanded and strengthened with no further delays."
- Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.