Press freedom and the tabooed words at Pas’ 69th Muktamar

SHAH ALAM – Freedom took centre stage at the 69th Pas Muktamar today, as delegates took turns airing their shared concerns over the alleged stifling of the press and restrictions on public expression and political participation.

The loudest and most vocal of the trio who debated on the motion for Pas to play an active role in safeguarding the three matters was Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

“There are two words that have become taboo for the current federal government. It is ‘liwat’ and ‘laki rogol laki.’ If you’re not squeamish, you can search for news that have these words.

“You’ll find nothing. Because any news that have those words will be taken down,” Sanusi claimed.

Democracy in Malaysia, he bellowed, has been increasingly rendered impotent by the federal government with government agencies becoming tools to shut down news outfits and go after critics on social media.

A case in point, he cited, was how the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had blocked access to the now-defunct MalaysiaNow for running a story on Sept 20 entitled ‘PN bloc walkout, ‘Tambun sodomiser’ echoes in Parliament’.

Sanusi continued, alleging that there has been a concerted attempt to conceal information regarding of certain events that happened in the 90s, from reaching younger generations.

“A minister even warns those criticising him on social media that they should beware of doing so as the police might be paying them a visit.

“A social media activist even had to file a judicial review against the MCMC for ordering a telecommunication company to freeze his numbers.

“The MCMC has lost its credibility for becoming a political tool for the government. These draconian acts suppress the press, it renders the country to hold its own people ransom,” said Sanusi.

The motion which Sanusi seconded was proposed by a delegate from Pas Muslimat Husna Hashim who highlighted the selective prosecution faced by not just the media but also the public.

“Influencers who criticised the federal government have been arrested, called for questioning and probed by the authorities.

“In fact, there is also a movement to boycott the businesses of those who criticised the government on social media. This is unfair,” Husna claimed, as she pointed out the alleged bullying.

Apart from Sanusi, Husna’s motion was also seconded by Pas Youth delegate Muhammad Nazrul Hakim Md Nazir, who also recounted several instances of intimidation perpetrated against Pas members for criticising the federal government.

“One of our sisters from Pas Muslimat has been traumatised because at 11pm, when she was taking out the garbage, the police rushed to her home.

“The reason? It was over her video that she posted on social media, commenting the involvement of a certain ‘anak papa’ in the the federal government,” Nazrul claimed.

Nazrul hoped that after having accepted the motion, Pas would send a clear message to the federal government that they should not curtail freedom of expression.

“If you previously despised your leaders from being victimised by the Sedition Act, then you shouldn’t be doing it to others now.

“If you previously fought against your activists from being thrown in jail, then you shouldn’t send the public to jail, now.

“And be fair on actions regarding the 3R (race, religion and royal institution) issue because even until today, your leaders who have been fearmongering on Islam and erroneously decipher the Quran are still scot-free.

“Be fair. We do not want two sets of rules,” argued Nazrul.