While we respect the views of Tun Musa Hitam, who was also the first chairman of the Human Rights Commission, we disagree with his assessment of the state of freedoms under the current administration. Using human rights and fundamental liberties as a yardstick, there is little evidence to support Tun Musa's statement as the government still actively punishes and preempts dissent.

The initial euphoria over Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's image as the Nice Guy at the start of his premiership has fast been replaced by the reality that he views dissent and critical voices with as much reservation as his predecessor, Tun Mahathir Mohamad, did. Interference in news reporting continue to be the common feature of Abdullah's administration, as in its blatant ban of discussion on religion and the secular/Islamic state debate. The deputy minister of Internal Security, Fu Ah Kiow revealed at the end of 2006 that the amount of disciplinary actions, i.e warnings, notices and suspensions to newspapers remain high. CIJ documented more than 60 cases of editorial interference and legal threats against the media; intimidation against bloggers; clampdown of assemblies; and other forms of violations throughout 2007.

On Tun Musa's argument that the press can now "expose" the failings of the government, CIJ question the lack of investigative reporting over controversial development projects such as the structural defects in public amenities and buildings, the Port Klang Free Zone area, the second link to Singapore, water and health privatisation, as examples of a tightly controlled media. Taken against the overwhelming content that is pro-Barisan Nasional, the state of freedom of expression is a cause for concern, not celebration.

Tun Musa's statement that the government should be credited for giving more freedom is a fallacy. Freedom is a fundamental human right that governments must respect, not to be given at their whims and fancies. We note with concern that while groups have been able to organise gatherings and rallies, they have been at great risks. The authorities have employed preemptive tactics to prevent gatherings by obtaining court orders against people from entering certain areas, including the people's Parliament. This is a denial of the people's right to assemble peacefully, as guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, a point Tun Musa himself spoke brilliantly about in his interview published in the New Straits Times on 9 December 2007.

On the comparison between former PM Mahathir and Abdullah, there is actually little that differentiates the two leaders: all the tools available during Mahathir's tenure for example the laws, the police, judiciary, are still used by Abdullah to serve particular interests. Only the leaders and decision makers have changed, the system remains the same. The numbers and the stories tell another story from Tun Musa's. Malaysians should be encouraged to have a critical and honest look at the state of human rights and freedoms in the country. CIJ supports greater discussions with the hope that we can improve the state of freedom of expression in Malaysia.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free, where all people enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Issued by

Gayathry Venkiteswaran

Executive Director

For more information, please contact Wai Fong at 03 40230772