CALD Resolution No. 4 S. 2011

CALD Resolution No. 4 S. 2011

CALD resolution acknowledging the importance of the abolition of Internal Security Act (ISA) to instituting political reforms in Malaysia; recognizing the democratic value of the repeal of Emergency Ordinance (EO) and of the proposed amendments to laws on media licensing and public assembly; and acknowledging that these moves of Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government are major steps in furthering and strengthening democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Malaysia.

Aware that Malaysia recently abolished the colonial-era legislation ISA, which has been criticized as one of the causes for restrictions on civil liberties and political dissent in the country for the past five decades;

Noting that the Malaysian government also terminated the implementation of EO, and announced the review of provisions of media licensing and public assembly laws perceived to be inimical to basic civil and political rights;

Hoping that the new security laws to be introduced for preventive detention would adhere to fundamental human rights principles and practices; and

Confident that the Malaysian government would swiftly act to realize Prime Minister Najib’s pledge of creating a “modern, mature and functioning democracy which will continue to preserve public order, ensure greater civil liberty and maintain racial harmony.”

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats hereby acknowledges the importance of the abolition of the ISA to instituting political reforms in Malaysia; recognizes the democratic value of the repeal of EO and of the proposed amendments to laws on media licensing and public assembly; and acknowledges that these moves of Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government are major steps in furthering and strengthening democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Malaysia.

Rajiva Wijesinha, MP, DPhil

Chairperson
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

10 October, 2011 Manila, Philippines

J.R. Nereus Acosta, PhD

Secretary General
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats