CIJ urges fair probe into PSM over LGBT programme
PETALING JAYA : The Centre for Independent Journalism has called for a fair inquiry into PSM after two of its members were summoned for questioning over a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) programme planned by the party's youth wing.
CIJ executive director Wathshlah G Naidu said the group supports any event that allows people to freely discuss and share ideas and opinions in a safe space, especially when it does no direct harm to the public.
She also said diverse and healthy discourse and debate is central to both freedom of expression and democracy.
'We call for this investigation to be conducted fairly and without biases, and follows the international three-part test of necessity, proportionality and legitimacy,' she said in a statement.
'These standards must especially be taken into account as this case is being investigated under broad and ambiguous laws – Section 298A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 – which are increasingly being weaponised to serve archaic values and political expediency.'
Yesterday, Bukit Aman CID director Shuhaily Zain said the number of reports received on the event had risen from 21 to 188.
Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said the case is being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, hatred or ill will on the grounds of religion, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities.
Last week, religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar urged PSM to cancel its plans for the workshop, themed 'Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness'.
He said such programmes, even if they were held behind closed doors, challenged societal norms and the religious values upheld by the majority.
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