No ‘absolute freedom’ of speech and assembly

KUALA LUMPUR: There is “no absolute” freedom of speech and assembly given to citizens under the Federal Constitution especially when the freedom violates existing laws in the country, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix).
Although the Federal Constitution guarantees the right to assemble and expression, he said there are also limitations to these liberties stipulated under the constitution.
“In other words, there is no absolute right given to any individual to assemble and expression especially when it clearly violates the laws that are enforced in the country,” he said in a written reply to Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Gelang Patah) on Monday.
Lim had asked the minister on the double standards of the authorities against those who picketed in front of the Kelana Jaya Custom’s Office on March 23 to oppose the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and against those who picketed in front of the church at Taman Medan on April 19 to object the sign of the cross.
Ahmad Zahid said the police did not practice double standards or selectiveness in its investigations whether or not those involved are influential individuals.
“With regards to the protest on the existence of a church at Metro Square in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, the police is investigating the report lodged under Section 448/511 of the Penal Code for the offence of trespassing.
“Those identified have been called for questioning and the police have prepared the investigation reports to be submitted to the Attorney-General for further action,” he said.
As for those involved in the GST protest in Kelana Jaya, the police have opened investigation under Section 143 of the Penal Code for participating in assembly, Section 353 of the Penal Code for intimidating civil servants and under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.