KUALA LUMPUR (19 FEBRUARY 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses serious concern over actions by the authorities that appear to be attempts to silence human rights activists and intimidate the families of detainees who recently held an Anti SOSMA rally outside of Sungai Buloh Prison.
SUHAKAM reminds the authorities that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental human rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Any action that restricts or disrupts these rights is contrary to the Federal Constitution law and human rights principles.
These concerns arise due to reports of the temporary detention of Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Executive Director, Sevan Doraisamy, by the police over allegation of trespassing into a restricted area at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Although the police have clarified that he was only called in to give a statement and was not arrested, SUHAKAM, nonetheless, stresses that such action may be seen as intimidation against an activist advocating for human rights.
SUHAKAM defends the rights of the families of the SOSMA detainees to gather peacefully in protest outside Sungai Buloh Prison in solidarity with their loved ones detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA). We demand that the authorities respect these rights to voice concerns and ensure that no intimidation or harassment occurs.
SUHAKAM commends the government on the recent announcement by the Prime Minister during the Dewan Rakyat seating on 13 February 2025 to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 seeking to better facilitate the citizens when exercising their right to assemble in peace. This is a move towards a positive direction.
SUHAKAM once again emphasized that any effort to silence activists and prevent freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly is a violation of the Federal Constitution as well as international standards. The authorities must respect these fundamental and human rights.
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The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 19 February 2025
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