A group of lawyers is calling for the investigation of DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang to be dropped and for the charge against Selangor Mentri Besar’s press secretary Jay Jay Dennis to be withdrawn.
The director of Lawyers For Liberty (LFL), Zaid Malek, stated on Wednesday (Dec 13) that the government should cease any investigation of Lim in response to a statement he made.
He also urged the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to withdraw the charge against Dennis.
“We refer to the ongoing police investigation against Lim who was called to give a statement regarding his remark that the Malaysian Constitution does not say a non-Malay cannot be prime minister.
ALSO READ: Kit Siang to meet cops over allegedly provocative statements
“We also refer to reports stating that Dennis will be charged in court over a post on X criticising Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam for using a police convoy while going out for a family dinner.”
Zaid added that Lim’s statement was accurate according to the Federal Constitution and that he was simply stating a fact.
“(Just because) some people have taken offence to the statement, (it does not) justify a criminal investigation,” said Zaid.
ALSO READ: Selangor MB’s aide to be charged over post on X
He also described the case against Dennis in a similar vein.
“The law confers no special status to anyone in government, whether a governor or a prime minister, to be protected against criticism,” he said.
ALSO READ: ‘Gov must do more for freedom of speech’
“The protection of free speech enshrined in the Constitution serves this very purpose, and exists to ensure that all quarters are able to exercise this right.”
“Thus, we urge the government to halt any and all investigation on Lim regarding his statement and for the AGC to withdraw the charge against Dennis,” said Zaid.
He added that the government must stay true to its dedication to protecting freedom of speech and as such, it should ensure that the people are protected from unwarranted criminal action for the legitimate exercise of constitutional rights.
