15 October 2014.
The American Bar Association notes the resolution of the Malaysian Bar at its Extraordinary General Meeting of September 19, 2014, to arrange for a peaceful public protest by its members against the continued use of the Sedition Act of 1948 and expresses its support for the Malaysian Bar resolution.
While legitimate efforts to combat terrorism may be deemed necessary by the authorities in Malaysia, the American Bar Association expresses its concern that the vague wording of the Sedition Act may be used as a tool to suppress legitimate opposition or in a discriminatory way to curtail human rights, especially that of freedom of speech and association.
The American Bar Association urges Malaysian authorities to comply with the standards set forth in the U.N. Basic Principles on the role of Lawyers, adopted in September 1990, which provides, “Lawyers like other citizens are entitled to freedom of expression, belief, association and assembly. In particular, they shall have the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights and to join or form local, national or international organizations and attend their meetings, without suffering professional restrictions by reason of their lawful action or member in a lawful organization. (Principle 23)”
The American Bar Association calls on Malaysian authorities to ensure that Malaysian lawyers are able to carry out their mandated duty through actions including the forthcoming “Walk for Peace and Freedom,” without fear of reprisals from those who oppose their views.