Contempt charge against Chandra thrown out: Victory for freedom of expression
Aliran welcomes the court's decision this morning to dismiss the contempt proceedings against Chandra on technical grounds relating to the admissibility of evidence over the Internet. The decision is good news for those who cherish freedom of expression and the right to fair comment. Aliran also salutes the 20 other groups and the dozens of concerned individuals who courageously endorsed the Internent statement "Confession and Conspiracy" of 31 July 1999 in a joint statement (below).
Aliran Executive Committee
21 August 1999
We Are Greatly Troubled
We, the undersigned concerned individuals and NGOs, are greatly troubled
by the turn of events in this country. It is becoming a fashion these
days either to cite for contempt of court or file mega defamation suits
for any critical comment made in the larger interest of the nation and
in the cause of justice.
All these actions, unfortunately, have the tendency, as envisaged,
to silence critics and stifle honest criticism. The latest victim in this
unhealthy development is Dr Chandra Muzaffar, an eminent critic who has
been championing social issues without fear or favour for more
than two decades. It is ironical that he is being cited for contempt for
expressing his concerns for justice. What Dr Chandra has stated in writing
is no different from what is being expressed by a large section of concerned
Malaysians across the country. They are gravely disturbed by
the system of justice and the role of the police as evidenced over the
last year.
We share their sentiments. As the Internet statement reflects the perception
of a large segment of thinking Malaysians, we - concerned NGOs, groups,
and individuals - would like to endorse the views expressed in the statement
of 31 July 1999 titled "Confession and Conspiracy."