Maria slams PH supporters for lodging reports against Tun M critics

PUTRAJAYA: Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah has slammed those within the Pakatan Harapan fold that have lodged police reports against individuals who have allegedly insulted Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on social media as it goes against the Pakatan Harapan government's policy to uphold freedom of expression.
In a statement, today, Maria said the right to freedom of expression has been stated very clearly in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto and this should be a time where a person's opinion is respected.
"The manifesto has also made it clear that this Government intends to abolish provisions in acts such as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 that are oppressive.
"We should not follow the previous administration's disgraceful methods when dealing with criticism. This should be an era of new and inclusive politics for Malaysia," she said.
However, Maria also pointed out while freedom of expression allows for criticism against the government, insults that are violent and aggressive, such as death threats should not be tolerated.
"Criticisms can be made but violence is unacceptable."
She pointed out several examples whereby several Perak PPBM members had lodged two police reports after several 'insulting' postings against the PM appeared on Facebook and WhatsApp on Monday.
While on Thursday, it was also reported that several unnamed NGOs had lodged a police report over insults against the PM.
The police have since arrested the man and he is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
"The actions of Perak PPBM members, the NGOs concerned and the Langkawi police curb freedom of expression goes against what this new administration stands for and the future that we are trying to build.
"If anything, their actions have been a far greater insult to this Government's ability to guarantee freedom of expression than any criticism against it," she said.
Such reports, she said, leads to the creation of a culture of fear which this Government does not intend to promote.
"Ever since he stepped away from Umno, Mahathir has proven time and time again that he is not someone who is unable to handle criticism.
"He has been able to carry on working despite being the target of insults and criticism aimed at him for his role in the Citizen's Declaration, forming the PPBM and being part of the Opposition," she added.