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Friday, August 15, 2014

Suhakam: Charging student for sedition is shocking

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is shocked at the way the police are handling the incident involving a Form Five student who "liked" a "I Love Israel" Facebook page, just as authorities said today they would press ahead with the sedition probe.

Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam, in a strongly-worded statement today, said that the sedition probe was an overreaction on the part of the police.

He added this was yet another example of how the Sedition Act could restrict freedom of expression, adding that it could have been resolved without invoking the act or exposing the student to criticism and threats.

"We call upon all relevant authorities to weigh their actions accordingly and to use their discretion appropriately in the handling of matters that concern the social media and the expression of various views and opinions."

A concerned Hasmy said that it was also unfortunate that the teachers failed to handle the matter responsibly as educators.

"Instead, they created a situation that has violated the basic rights of the student, contrary to the spirit and articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Malaysia is a State Party.

‎"We also call upon the Ministry of Education to incorporate human rights as part of the school curriculum to better promote respect, understanding and acceptance of the basic rights of all citizens, including those of students."

Hasmy urged everyone to practise restraint and not to partake in any action that promotes ignorance and hatred.

The Form Five student at the centre of the controversy attends a school in Taman Tasek Mutiara in Simpang Ampat, Seberang Perai Selatan.

It was reported that he allegedly liked the "I Love Israel" page on Facebook and his teacher posted a screenshot of what he did.

The teacher's post attracted many comments condemning the boy, with some calling for him to be boycotted. One Facebook user even remarked that the boy should be burned.

Lawyers and netizens have criticised the police for the sedition probe, describing it as an overreaction and a waste of resources.

Communications and Multimedia minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek had also described the probe as "unfair".

Despite that, ‎Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi had said two investigation papers had been opened, and the boy would be probed under Section 4 (1)(c) of the Sedition Act.

Police would also haul up those who allegedly threatened the boy on Facebook for criminal intimidation.

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