Malaysia’s parliament must be allowed to sit during state of emergency, Southeast Asian lawmakers say

Malaysia’s parliament must be allowed to sit during state of emergency, Southeast Asian lawmakers say

Feb 16, 2021 | DFF, Statements

Please click here for a Khmer version of this press release

Please click here for a Thai version of this press release

Please click here for a Bahasa Indonesia version of this press release

JAKARTA – More than 80 parliamentarians across the region today expressed concern over the excessively broad powers handed to Malaysian authorities under the current state of emergency, and urged the Malaysian King, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Prime Minister to convene parliament as soon as possible.

In the sign-on statement, the 89 former and current democratically-elected parliamentarians from six countries also called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives to ensure that parliamentary committees are activated and that they meet regularly.

“The fact that so many lawmakers from across the region are speaking out shows the level of regional concern over the emergency’s impact on parliamentary democracy in Malaysia, and of possible long-lasting implications this could have on the lives of its people. We have seen how pandemic-related measures adopted in other Southeast Asian countries have increasingly restricted human rights and adequate safeguards must be put in place,” said Tom Villarin, a Board Member of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and a former Philippine Member of Parliament (MP).

“While it is a priority for the government to tackle COVID-19, it is crucial that such responses take on a human rights-based approach and respect the rule of law. Instead, Malaysia’s state of emergency has not only concentrated excessively broad power in the executive, but also removed any real oversight, leaving the door wide open for rights abuses,” Villarin said.

Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in January, the Malaysian King declared a nationwide state of emergency from 11 January until 1 August. In particular, lawmakers highlighted the far-reaching and unchecked powers of officials under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021, including additional powers for the armed forces, the suspension of parliament and state assembly sittings, the postponement of elections, and legal impunity for authorities’ acts conducted in “good faith.”

These measures flout international standards, severely undermine democratic processes, and foster an environment ripe for potential abuse of power, APHR said. Under international law, emergency measures must be necessary and proportionate in achieving the desired results, temporary, applied in a non-discriminatory manner, and subject to review.

“Prime Minister Muhyiddin’s back-door government has remained unstable since taking over last year, and this latest move appears as a desperate attempt to cling to power, rather than effectively tackling a health crisis,” Villarin said.

”This is not the time to mute lawmakers. In times of a health crisis, it is even more important that parliament can function effectively to review the government’s actions and policies, including those in response to the pandemic. What the world needs now is more transparency and accountability, not governments shielded from public scrutiny,” he added.

The Malaysian parliament has previously faced restrictions due to the pandemic. In November 2020, the House of Representatives adopted COVID-19 prevention measures, which included shortened sitting hours and proceedings, and a maximum of 80 MPs in the plenary at any one time. The March-April parliamentary sitting in 2020 was also delayed and reduced to a one-day sitting in May, without the possibility of debates.

Several lawsuits have since been filed in relation to the emergency, including a public interest litigation brought by civil society organizations to review, amongst others, the suspension of parliament.

Background

Malaysia has faced political upheaval in the past year, and in March 2020 Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin emerged as the leader of a coalition with a majority of only a few lawmakers after former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed stood down. The situation has led to calls for a vote of no confidence to be held against Prime Minister Muhyiddin, as well as speculation that a snap election could take place. Earlier this year, several lawmakers withdrew their support for the Prime Minister, reportedly threatening his already slim majority in parliament.

Southeast Asian lawmakers express grave concerns over Malaysia’s excessively broad emergency powers

Southeast Asian lawmakers express grave concerns over Malaysia’s excessively broad emergency powers

Feb 2, 2021 | DFF, Open Letters

Click here for a Thai translation of this sign-on statement

Click here for a Khmer translation of this sign-on statement 

Click here for a Bahasa Indonesian translation of this statement

We, the undersigned parliamentarians, raise serious concerns that the Malaysian authorities’ far-reaching powers under the current state of emergency risk not only undermining the foundation of Malaysia’s democracy but also leave the door wide open for potential human rights abuses. We therefore call for parliament to be allowed to continue functioning without restrictions.

Earlier this year, the Malaysian King proclaimed a state of emergency, taking effect from 11 January to 1 August, citing coronavirus as a threat to the country’s security, economy, and public order. This was followed by the introduction of the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021, which grants excessively broad powers to the authorities, while shielding their actions from any meaningful parliamentary or judicial oversight.

In particular, the Ordinance removes legislative scrutiny and limits judicial authority over officials during the emergency. Section 10 protects the government and their agents appointed to issue directions under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 from legal proceedings in relation to “any act, neglect or default done or omitted… in good faith,” while Sections 14 and 15 suspend the sittings of parliament and state assemblies until a time set by the King. Section 12(6) of the Ordinance also states that a general election will be held only when the King “thinks appropriate.”

Further, Section 7 of the Ordinance grants the armed forces additional powers, which according to Malaysia’s Defence Minister will include authority to detain those violating the movement control order and arrest migrants found entering the country illegally.

We would like to remind authorities that, to ensure that emergency measures are not used to crackdown on human rights, or to permanently usurp democratic institutions, they should be necessary and proportionate in addressing the threats they are meant to mitigate, in this instance to curb the spread of COVID-19. Such powers should be temporary, subject to effective legislative and judicial oversight, and not be used discriminatorily to target specific groups.

Malaysia’s emergency powers clearly do not meet these established international standards and create an environment where government accountability is severely limited, and the abuse of power more likely to occur.

As the body through which the will of the people is expressed, parliament holds a central position in a functioning democracy, and its current suspension effectively removes public participation from the decision-making process. This is particularly worrying at a time when government’s decisions will have long-lasting consequences on the lives of the people.

Considering how emergency measures in the region, including in Thailand and the Philippines, have led to restrictions on fundamental freedoms, it is more vital than ever for parliament to function effectively and provide safeguards against any potential misuse of power.

Therefore, as democratically-elected lawmakers from Southeast Asia, we urge the Malaysian King, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Prime Minister to convene Parliament as soon as possible to ensure government accountability, review the emergency measures, protect human rights, and contribute to major policy decisions. We also call upon the Speaker of the House of Representatives to ensure that parliamentary committees are activated and continue to meet regularly. Parliaments around the world have adopted innovative ways and new online working methods to ensure they continue their essential work during the pandemic that could also be adopted by Malaysia.

Signatories:

1. Abel Pires da Silva, Member of Parliament, Timor-Leste
2. Adérito Hugo da Costa, Member of Parliament, Timor-Leste
3. Amarat Chokepamitkul, Member of Parliament, Thailand
4. António de Sá Benevides, Member of Parliament, Timor-Leste
5. Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV, former Member of Parliament, Philippines
6. Apichat Sirisoontorn, Member of Parliament, Thailand
7. Arlene D. Brosas, Member of Parliament, Philippines
8. Bencha Saengchantra, Member of Parliament, Thailand
9. Botta Long, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
10. Braema Mathiaparanam, former Member of Parliament, Singapore (signatory after press statement released)
11. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate, Member of Parliament, Philippines
12. Chamnan Chanruang, former Member of Parliament, Thailand
13. Charus Koomkainam, Member of Parliament, Thailand
14. Chavalit Laohaudomphan, Member of Parliament, Thailand
15. Dang Chamreun, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
16. Domingas dos Santos, Member of Parliament, Timor-Leste
17. Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Member of Parliament, Indonesia
18. Elvina Sousa, Member of Parliament, Timor-Leste
19. Eufemia “Ka Femia” C. Cullamat, Member of Parliament, Philippines
20. Eva Sundari, former Member of Parliament, Indonesia
21. Ferdinand R. Gaite, Member of Parliament, Philippines
22. France L. Castro, Member of Parliament, Philippines
23. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Member of Parliament, Philippines
24. Francisco de Vasconcelos, Member of Parliament, Timor-Leste
25. Heng Danaro, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
26. Ho Vann, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
27. Jirawat Arunyohanon, Member of Parliament, Thailand
28. Kanphong Chongsuttanamanee, Member of Parliament, Thailand
29. Kasit Piromya, former Member of Parliament, Thailand
30. Khamphong Thephakham, Member of Parliament, Thailand
31. Kong Saphea, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
32. Kunthida Rungruengkiat, former Member of Parliament, Thailand
33. Kyaw Min San, former Member of Parliament, Myanmar
34. Leila M. de Lima, Member of Parliament, Philippines
35. Lena Maryana Mukti, former Member of Parliament, Indonesia
36. Long Ry, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
37. Manop Keereepuwadol, Member of Parliament, Thailand
38. Maria Angelina Lopes Sarmento, Member of Parliament, Timor-Leste
39. Meity Magdalena, former Member of Parliament, Indonesia
40. Men Sothavarin, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
41. Mercy Chriesty Barends, Member of Parliament, Indonesia
42. Mu Sochua, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
43. Nateepat Kulsetthasith, Member of Parliament, Thailand
44. Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, Member of Parliament, Thailand
45. Nattaphon Suapsakwong, Member of Parliament, Thailand
46. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Member of Parliament, Thailand
47. Nitipon Piwmow, Member of Parliament, Thailand
48. Nuth Rumduol, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
49. Omgkam Chaibut, Member of Parliament, Thailand
50. Padipat Suntiphada, Member of Parliament, Thailand
51. Pakornwut Udompipatskul, Member of Parliament, Thailand
52. Pannika Wanich, former Member of Parliament, Thailand
53. Parinyachuaigate Keereerut, Member of Parliament, Thailand
54. Phicharn Chaowapatanawong, Member of Parliament, Thailand
55. Pita Limjaroenrat, Member of Parliament, Thailand
56. Prasertpong Sornnuvatara, Member of Parliament, Thailand
57. Rangsiman Rome, Member of Parliament, Thailand
58. Ratna Juwita Sari, Member of Parliament, Indonesia
59. Rosalina Ximenes, Member of Parliament, Timor-Leste
60. Saadiah Uluputty, Member of Parliament, Indonesia
61. Sakdinai Numnu, Member of Parliament, Thailand
62. Sam Rainsy, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
63. Sarah Jane I. Elago, Member of Parliament, Philippines
64. Sartono Hutomo, Member of Parliament, Indonesia
65. Shwe Maung, former Member of Parliament, Myanmar
66. Sirikanya Tansakun, Member of Parliament, Thailand
67. Somchai Fungcholjit, Member of Parliament, Thailand
68. Somkiat Thanomsin, Member of Parliament, Thailand
69. Sor Chandeth, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
70. Supisarn Bhakdinarinath, Member of Parliament, Thailand
71. Surachet Pravinvongvuth, Member of Parliament, Thailand
72. Surawat Thongbu, Member of Parliament, Thailand
73. Suthep Ou-Oun, Member of Parliament, Thailand
74. Suttawan Suban Na Ayuthaya, Member of Parliament, Thailand
75. Taopiphop Limjittuakorn, Member of Parliament, Thailand
76. Taufik Basari, Member of Parliament, Indonesia
77. Teddy Brawner Baguilat Jr., former Member of Parliament, Philippines
78. Teerajchai Phunthumas, Member of Parliament, Thailand
79. Thodsaporn Thongsiri, Member of Parliament, Thailand
80. Thongdaeng Benjapak, Member of Parliament, Thailand
81. Tioulong Saumura, former Member of Parliament, Cambodia
82. Tomasito S. Villarin, former Member of Parliament, Philippines
83. Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, Member of Parliament, Thailand
84. Vanvaree Talomsin, Member of Parliament, Thailand
85. Wanvipa Maison, Member of Parliament, Thailand
86. Wayo Assawarungruang, Member of Parliament, Thailand
87. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, Member of Parliament, Thailand
88. Woraphop Viriyaroj, Member of Parliament, Thailand
89. Wuttinan Boonchoo, Member of Parliament, Thailand
90. Yanathicha Buapuean, Member of Parliament, Thailand

Amid emergency declaration, ASEAN MPs urge Malaysia to maintain parliamentary sittings

Amid emergency declaration, ASEAN MPs urge Malaysia to maintain parliamentary sittings

Jan 13, 2021 | DFF, Statements

JAKARTA – Southeast Asian lawmakers today expressed alarm about reports that Malaysia has introduced a declaration of emergency in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision that will lead to no parliamentary sittings for several months, hindering crucial oversight during a tumultuous period in the country’s political environment.

According to the palace, Malaysia’s King has given consent for a Declaration of Emergency Proclamation until August 1 2021, or an earlier date if the number of daily COVID-19 cases can be brought under control. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has said there will be no parliamentary or state assembly meetings until “a later date” set by the King, while a general election, state elections and by-elections cannot be held during the emergency. 

“Given the political instability Malaysia has faced since Prime Minister Muhyiddin came to power through a back-door government in March 2020, the decision to suspend parliament raises serious concerns that his government is intent on avoiding parliamentary scrutiny,” said Tom Villarin, a Board Member of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and former Philippine Member of Parliament (MP). 

The emergency measure comes amid a recent government announcement to reimpose stricter  COVID-19 restrictions in some states, which is scheduled to begin on 13 January and last for two weeks.

“Parliaments play an essential role as guardians of democracy and human rights, particularly during times of crisis, such as what Malaysia is currently experiencing. Important measures are currently being adopted in Malaysia, and parliament provides much-needed scrutiny, which is particularly important given that the current government came to power through back-door maneuvring, and not at the ballot box,” said Villarin. 

Background: 

Malaysia has faced political upheaval in the past year, and in March 2020 Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin emerged as the leader of a coalition with a majority of only a few lawmakers after former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed stood down. The situation has led to calls for a vote of no confidence to be held against Prime Minister Muhyiddin, as well as speculation that a snap election could take place. 

Civil Society Call For An End To Intimidation And Harassment Tactics Against UMANY And Associated Individuals

Civil Society Call For An End To Intimidation And Harassment Tactics Against UMANY And Associated Individuals

Dec 3, 2020 | DFF, Statements

We, the undersigned organisations and endorsers, strongly condemn the continued intimidation tactics and acts of harassment being perpetrated by the State and its agencies against Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY) members and student activists linked to the group. We call on the relevant authorities, including Universiti Malaya (UM) and other entities, to stop investigating and questioning these student leaders, and uphold academic freedom and our constitutional right to freedom of expression and free speech.

UMANY is being investigated by both ​UM and the ​police over a ​statement it issued following the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s advice that all Members of Parliament should support Budget 2021. Since then, seven members of UMANY, its president and vice-president, as well as two other student leaders, have been called in for questioning. A former UMANY president was also ​detained overnight for recording a police officer attempting to search the house of an UMANY leader, and will be charged tomorrow under Section 188 of the Penal Code. Meanwhile, the Public Service Department (JPA) has asked for show-cause letters from six JPA-sponsored UMANY members over their purported involvement on the matter. UMANY’s statement has since been ​retracted​.

We are disappointed that the State and its agencies, including the police, continues to arbitrarily stifle freedom of speech and expression in Malaysia, a ​rising trend that has become apparent since the change of government earlier this year. We wish to remind the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government that freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed for all Malaysians under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, and should not be disproportionately restricted simply because said speech or expression challenges norms or presents critical or alternative views.

The right to express views and ideas freely, without fear of interference or persecution, is an essential part of democracy. Respectful debates and expressions help us examine and critically challenge conventional wisdoms and promote heterodox views. In doing so, we foster a more informative and critical society, one that is able to articulate their own views and alternative views, safely and openly.

We risk spiralling into an undemocratic state if our government continues to censor and restrict speech and expression without due process and at the expense of fundamental civil liberties of its peoples – as is the case with the UMANY investigations. ​Articulating an academic view based on the Federal Constitution, as was the case in this instance, should not warrant police action. Recording a police search of a student activist’s house also should not result in criminal sanction. The police, despite issuing a ​statement ​to clarify their actions in arresting the student activist in question, have ​failed to justify why ​taking videos or photographs of police investigations could affect the confidentiality of said investigations.

Furthermore, we do not want to foster an environment ​which undermines accountability and good governance and where people are prohibited from questioning or criticising the government over public affairs.

Academic scholarship, on the other hand, cannot flourish in an atmosphere of censorship and disproportionate restriction of speech and expression. An open and robust environment for sharing ideas freely is crucial for learning as it allows students to think critically, challenge and engage with different perspectives. Students must remain free to inquire, study and evaluate, and gain new maturity and understanding. The participation of students in intellectual debates concerning the state of affairs of the country, therefore, should be encouraged, not discouraged. Higher education institutions must ensure that they are moulding a thinking society and supporting the promotion of multiple views – not investigating such views.

To that end, we call on the following recommendations to be adopted at once:

  1. The police and UM must, without any delay, drop their respective investigations into UMANY, its members, former members and associated student leaders, over UMANY’s statement;
  2. JPA should uphold academic freedom and immediately withdraw the demand for show-cause letters from the JPA-sponsored UMANY members over their alleged involvement over the matter;
  3. The relevant authorities must pledge to protect UMANY members who are being ​harassed, cyberbullied or threatened online over their statement and ensure that those who are making such threats are dealt with in accordance with established international standards and practices, and;
  4. The PN government must ensure that freedom of expression and speech is upheld and protected at all times for all Malaysians by repealing repressive laws used to arbitrarily restrict these freedoms, in particular, the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

12 November 2020

Jointly issued by:
Amnesty International Malaysia
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
Suara Rakyat Masyarakat (SUARAM)

Endorsed by the following civil society organisations:

  1. Agora Society
  2. Aliran
  3. ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR)
  4. Beyond Borders Malaysia
  5. Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC)
  6. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
  7. Community Women and Workers Network (CWWN)
  8. Demokrat UM
  9. EMPOWER Malaysia
  10. ENGAGE
  11. G25 Malaysia
  12. Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM)
  13. Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo
  14. Greenpeace Malaysia
  15. Growing Emerging Leaders (GEL)
  16. In Between Cultura
  17. Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia (JKOASM)
  18. Johor Yellow Flame (JYF)
  19. Justice for Sisters
  20. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH)
  21. KLSCAH Youth
  22. LLG Cultural Development Centre Berhad
  23. Malaysia Muda
  24. Malaysian Medics International (MMI)
  25. Malaysian Students’ Global Alliance (MSGA)
  26. Malaysian Action for Justice and Unity Foundation (MAJU)
  27. National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE)
  28. North South Initiative (NSI)
  29. Oriental Hearts and Minds Study Institute (OHMSI)
  30. Our Journey
  31. Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)
  32. Pergerakan Tenaga Akademik Malaysia (GERAK)
  33. Persatuan Kesedaran dan Keadilan Iklim Malaysia – Klima ActionMalaysia KAMY
  34. Persatuan Komuniti Prihatin Selangor & KL (PRIHATIN)
  35. Persatuan Penduduk Galing Besar Kuantan
  36. Persatuan Prihatin Masyarakat Lipis
  37. Persatuan Promosi Hak Asasi Manusia (PROHAM)
  38. Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor
  39. Pertubuhan SiraguGal
  40. Pertubuhan Solidariti Hijau Kuantan
  41. Pusat KOMAS
  42. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA)
  43. Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA)
  1. Sabah Women’s Action-Resource Group (SAWO)
  2. Sarawak Association for Peoples’ Aspirations (SAPA)
  3. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)
  4. Sisters in Islam (SIS)
  5. Society for Equality, Respect And Trust for All Sabah (SERATA)
  6. Student Unity Front UKM
  7. Taiwan Alliance for Thai Democracy
  8. Tanah Dahai
  9. Tenaganita
  10. Teoh Beng Hock Trust for Democracy
  11. Thai Students in Europe for Liberal Democracy
  12. The Coalition for Clean and Fair Election (BERSIH 2.0)
  13. Tindak Malaysia
  14. UM Law Society
  15. Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
  16. Youth Era Malaysia

Endorsed by the following individuals:

  1. Yang Berhormat Wong Chen
  2. Dr. Vikkineshwaran Siva Subramaniam
  3. Ahmad Ghazali bin Abu Hassan
  4. Alan Tan
  5. Ambiga Sreenevasan
  6. Andrew Khoo
  7. Anson Liow
  8. Anwar Fazal
  9. Ari Saw
  10. Aw Swee Keng
  11. Azad Razack
  12. Beverly Joeman
  13. Caesar Loong
  14. Carlson Chew Yee Herng
  15. Chacko Vadaketh
  16. Chan Pei Wen
  17. Chan Suay Hwa
  18. Chang Hung Wai
  19. Cheah Khui Chen
  20. Cheong Chan Kiong
  21. Cherished Ng
  22. Chia Jia Xuan
  23. Chieng Xing Tien
  24. Chiew Chin Hang
  25. Chiew Choon Man
  26. Chin Kah Shen
  27. Chok Pit Yuen
  28. Chong Jia Jing
  1. Chong Zhao Xian
  2. Choo Kim Seng
  3. Chua
  4. Chuah Wen Jie
  5. Chwa See Kiap
  6. Daniel Chew
  7. Daniel Lim
  8. Dean Lau Sheng Ting
  9. Dennis Ignatius
  10. Edward Ignatius Victor
  11. Eng Teit Goy
  12. Eric Low
  13. Esther Kueh
  14. Faye Lee Chin
  15. Feisal Kamil
  16. Gan Jay Shen
  17. Gan Jia Seng
  18. Gan Xhi Yan
  19. Goh Ming Dao
  20. Goh Mun Yee
  21. Hiew Wen Tian
  22. Ho Chi Yang
  23. Ho Yock Lin
  24. Hoo Yi Zhi
  25. Ili Nadiah Dzulfakar
  26. Irene Xavier
  27. Ismail bin Ibrahim
  28. Jaffar Yusof
  29. James Bawi Thang Bik
  30. Jen Shaun Wong
  31. Joey Siu
  32. John Ku
  33. John Phoon
  34. Jonny Wong
  35. Joseph Hamzah Anwar
  36. Jules Rahman Ong
  37. Julien Chen Lip Syn
  38. Kamarul Zaman Abd Kadir
  39. Kaviarasan
  40. Kenn Yeap
  41. Khoo Kai Wen
  42. Koh Kar Weng
  43. Kuan Perk Siong
  44. Lam Yan Ci
  45. Lawrence Teen
  46. Lee Hao Jie
  1. Lee Soo Wei
  2. Lee Wei Jie
  3. Lee Xiang Sheng
  4. Lee Yong Xing
  5. Leong Wei Quan
  6. Liau Pin Chun
  7. Liew Liang Hong
  8. Liew Weng
  9. Lim Chaw Zen
  10. Lim Chin Chye
  11. Lim Chunwei
  12. Lim Jia Yi
  13. Lim Ru-Yi
  14. Lim Seng Keat
  15. Lim Teng Guan
  16. Lim Yu Dian
  17. Loh Xianda
  18. Mah Jun Hoong
  19. Mahes Balan
  20. Marina Mahathir
  21. Maryam Najwa Abd Rahman
  22. Mingshuen
  23. Monica Heng
  24. Muhammad Naqiuddin bin Nazri

99.Muhammad Rafique Bin Rashid Ali

  1. Nabilah Aryssa binti Mohamad Askandar
  2. Nathaniel Tan
  3. Ng Hao Yi
  4. Ng Leanne
  5. Ng Teng Yi
  6. Ng Xiang Yi
  7. Nurul Syahirah
  8. Paul S
  9. Pram
  10. Raymond Chin
  11. Raymond Lee
  12. Serina Lim
  13. Shaun Tan
  14. Sharon Ng She Nee
  15. Siah Kwong Liang
  16. Siti Kasim
  17. SM Muthu
  18. Soon Nyok Lian
  19. Swee Huat Eng
  20. Tan Cheng Siong
  21. Tan Chia Ee
  1. Tan Jia Shen
  2. Tan Li Ying
  3. Tan Teck Hoe
  4. Tan Wen Hui
  5. Teh Sin Joe
  6. Teo Swee Tengo
  7. Terry
  8. Thilaga
  9. Ting Teck Khoon
  10. Ting Zhao Hong
  11. Too Xing Ji
  12. Tyler Lim
  13. Yee Shan
  14. Wong Chang Fu
  15. Wong Chin Huat
  16. Wang Chun Rui
  17. Wong Yan Ke
  18. Wong Yan Zhi
  19. Wong Yew Lee
  20. Yap Mei Shya
  21. Yew Jun Huo
  22. Yong Ke-Qin
  23. Yu Ren Chung
  24. Zu Peng
  25. 吴汉坤
Parliamentarians at Risk: Reprisals against opposition MPs in Southeast Asia

Parliamentarians at Risk: Reprisals against opposition MPs in Southeast Asia

Dec 3, 2020 | DFF, Reports

Report, September 2020

In a new report, APHR has documented threats and harassment against opposition MPs in Southeast Asia, notably the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.

The reprisals come in the form of judicial harassment, arbitrary stripping them of their MP status, surveillance and harassment, and campaigns of disinformation. 

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