THE three proposed “unity bills” drafted by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) to replace the Sedition Act 1948 have recently come under attack for being anti-monarchy, anti-Islam and anti-Malay. Are these claims true? What do the bills actually establish?
Holding Court
Beyond Dyana Sofya
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
What exactly was discriminatory about the remarks made against the DAP’s candidate for the Teluk Intan by-election, Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud? How do such remarks go beyond Dyana Sofya and what needs to be done to combat such attitudes?
Can Noah be banned for being un-Islamic?
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
The movie Noah has been banned in Malaysia because it is deemed un-Islamic to depict a prophet. But is it legal to ban something on the basis that it is un-Islamic? When imposing a ban, what are the appropriate criteria to restrict freedom of expression, which is a constitutionally guaranteed human right?
Beyond the Shia “threat”
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
Umno and the Home Ministry, which the party’s vice-president is minister of, have proposed a constitutional amendment to stipulate that Islam in Malaysia is of the Sunni sect. Would such an amendment to the federal constitution be possible? And if so, what are the ramifications?
Malaysia’s compromised electoral system
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
Our electoral system is in a mess, the People’s Tribunal organised by Bersih 2.0 heard recently. How did it get this way and who is responsible for our compromised electoral system?
Borders vs. Jawi: How it affects us
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
The High Court recently held that Jawi’s actions in raiding Borders and seizing copies of an Irshad Manji book were illegal. The bookstore’s day in court reminds us how it falls on citizens to know the law and their rights to prevent state authorities from abusing power.
Who’s destabilising the government?
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
Suaram apparently poses a grave threat to Malaysia. Why else has the government set six agencies on it? What has Suaram done that is so dangerous to the government? And who, in fact, is truly destabilising the nation through its actions?
Najib’s legal reforms legacy
Holding Court By Ding Jo-Ann
Malaysia will be more open and democratic with “revolutionary” new laws that will herald a “new era”, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Really? Has Najib made good on his promises? We take a look at the prime minister’s legacy of legal reforms since Malaysia Day 2011.
False hope in Security Offences Act
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
THE Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill (Sosma), passed by the Dewan Rakyat on 18 April 2012, will repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA) once it comes into effect. The ISA has long been criticised for allowing preventive detention for indefinite periods without trial. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the reform, including the rescinding […]
Seksualiti Merdeka: Threat to national security?
Holding Court by Ding Jo-Ann
ON 1 March 2012, the High Court dismissed Seksualiti Merdeka‘s leave application to judicially review a police ban on their annual festival. The November 2011 festival was banned under section 27A(1)(c) of the Police Act. The section (since superseded by the Peaceful Assembly Act) allowed the police to stop any activity on private premises “likely […]
