Media versus rational thinking over SUARAM’s Scorpene scandal

A scandal involving not only SUARAM, Malaysian human rights NGO but also the French government has been bouncing back and forth both countries in court.

Two submarines were bought by a French company with allegations in regards to SUARAM being bribe to secure the deal
Picture taken from Malaysian Insider

 

The media should use rational thinking in distinguishing facts and rumours reported as mentioned by News Straits Time on 9^th October 2012 in regards to the Scorpene scandal’s on going trials at the French Court. Yves Charpenel, state prosecutor and an executive member of the International Association of Anti-CorruptionAuthorities (IAACA) says that the course of justice in France will not be dictated by the media. Two French lawyers who are representatives of human rights NGO SUARAM is said to be arriving end of October if they are able to obtain their visas from the Malaysian authorities.

                

Yves Charpenel, a former head of prosecution in France and now a state prosecutor and an executive member of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA). Picture taken from News Straits Times

Investigations have been on since 22^nd September 2012 when SUARAM was charged of allegations over foreign funding. The Malaysian government accuses SUARAM, or otherwise known as ‘Suara Rakyat Malaysia’ (Voice of the Malaysian People) for engagement in ‘subversive’ activities. The most recent claim is the controversy surrounding the Scorpene scandal. The Scorpene scandal accuses SUARAM of receiving bribes from a French company in securing a submarine deal. Mustafa, K. Anuar, secretary of Aliran says, “I believe SUARAM's recent activities in bringing the case to the French court is seen as something that is too close to home for PM Najib and his supporters.” 

New section 1114A to be revised in Malaysia?

Malaysians experiences a chilling effect due to a new law amendment.

An image set up by a campaigner
Original source link: Stop1114A wordpress

On the 14 August 2012, an Internet blackout day took place. This campaign organized by the Centre of Independent Journalism aims to create awareness about the new Section 1114A to the public.

Section 1114A or also known as Evidence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2012 was introduced in May. Is this law really containing cybercrime or surpressing freedom of speech on the Internet?  Abigail de Vries from the Centre of Independent Journalism says it creates a chilling effect against anyone to speak freely on the Internet.

What this act does is it presumes the fact of publication. The victim is no longer innocent until proven guilty and this law reverses all court procedures. The government approved this law with the intentions of combating terrorism.  Netizens now have to self-censor all the contents they publish online. Section 1114A instills fear of freedom of speech since this law accuses the victim.

Anil Netto, the treasurer of Penang-based Aliran and also an online blogger gives his views on the empowerment of Section 1114A among netizens. “I think people should continue campaigning for greater media and online freedom and not let up in the struggle for greater freedom of expression”, he says.

Check out a short interview on Abigail de Vries from the Centre of Independent Journalism views on Section 1114A below.