Malaysians have never been freer, says A-G
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DESPITE challenges faced by the government in unfurling its reform agenda, Malaysians have never been freer since the May 9 polls last year, said Attorney-General Tommy Thomas.
“You heard the prime minister (Dr Mahathir Mohamad), that in the last 16 months, there is far more space given to individuals and government critics.
“There is no doubt that Malaysia has never had this much of democracy since Merdeka. There is a thriving media, as evidence in the increasing attacks against me, and yet no one is prosecuted.”
“This is the best proof of space that we have,” Thomas said his closing speech at the inaugural LawAsia Constitutional and Rule of Law Conference 2019 in Petaling Jaya today.
Thomas, who was appointed attorney-general on June 4 last year, said actions of the three branches of the government since the 14th general election vary.
“As far as legislature is concerned, we do not have as many bills as we would like. It is still work in progress, but it is a five-year term, so I am hopeful.”
During the question and answer session later, Thomas was asked by LawAsia president Christopher Leong on the progress to abolish the Sedition Act 1948, which was part of Pakatan Harapan’s pledge last year.
Thomas said the Attorney-General’s Chambers is awaiting instructions from Parliament to draft the proposed bills.
De facto law minister Liew Vui Keong said last month that the Sedition Act was expected to be abolished this year.
He said the cabinet had decided that the act would be done away with, and the government was looking at various factors for implementation.
“We want to ensure that not all statements are regarded as seditious because we want to ensure freedom… but we can’t allow people to simply make statements that defame our rulers and leaders, especially,” he said. – October 5, 2019.