Latest news with #ZaidMalek
Free Malaysia Today
7 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
AGC wrong on legality of civil servants rally ban, says LFL
LFL director Zaid Malek said the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly cannot be extinguished by regulations, general orders, letters of undertaking or circulars. PETALING JAYA : Rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has fired back at the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) for saying there is legal basis to a government directive prohibiting civil servants from taking part in the upcoming 'Turun Anwar' rally. LFL director Zaid Malek said it was unacceptable for the AGC to issue a statement that was 'blatantly' contrary to the Federal Constitution and mislead the public on the application of Articles 10(1)(a) and (b) of the constitution. 'These provisions guarantee freedom of expression and the right to peacefully assemble, and they cannot be extinguished by mere regulations, general orders, letters of undertaking or circulars,' he said in a statement. Zaid acknowledged that Articles 10(2)(a) and 10(2)(b) allowed certain restrictions within specified categories and by way of laws passed by Parliament. However, he said the Public Officers (Appointment, Promotion, and Termination of Service) Regulations 2012 and other documents relied on by the AGC did not fall within the permitted restrictions, nor were they laws passed by Parliament. 'These regulations have no legal authority to restrict public servants' right to free speech and peaceful assembly,' Zaid added. Yesterday, the AGC said the rights under Articles 10(1)(a) and 10(1)(b) were not absolute. According to the AGC, civil servants are bound by letters of undertaking pursuant to Regulation 20(3) of the Public Officers (Appointment, Promotion and Termination of Service) Regulations. It said the undertakings include complying with all regulations, including the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, general orders, circulars, and directives issued by the government from time to time. Both sets of regulations state that civil servants must not behave in any manner that could tarnish or bring disrepute to the civil service or make public statements that could embarrass or tarnish the reputation of the government. Zaid accused the AGC of painting a false picture that the chief secretary could limit fundamental rights by way of regulations. 'It's unlawful for him to do so. Has the attorney-general forgotten that the constitution is the supreme law of the land pursuant to Article 4(1), and that it cannot be defeated by any government regulations or ancillary directives?' he said. He also said it was not the job of the AGC to issue press statements defending the interests of the ruling government, whom the rally is targeting. On Sunday, Chief Secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said it was inappropriate for civil servants to take part in the rally 'because the action is not in accordance with the principle of loyalty to king and country as espoused by the Rukun Negara'.
Malaysiakini
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
'Turun' rally: Constitution supersedes general orders
Lawyers for Liberty criticised the Attorney-General's Chambers for allegedly threatening civil servants from joining the 'Turun Anwar' rally slated for July 26. Its director, Zaid Malek, said it was appalling that the AGC would issue a statement that contradicts Articles 10(1)(a) and (b) of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees Malaysians the right to assemble peacefully. He stressed that...
Malaysiakini
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
LFL tells govt staff to defy chief sec's rally warning, to provide legal aid
Government servants have been urged to defy a recent warning from the chief secretary of the government against joining the scheduled Himpunan Turun Anwar rally this week. In a statement, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) director Zaid Malek labelled Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar's warning yesterday as 'unlawful' and a 'desperate move' by the government.
Malaysiakini
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
LFL: Will govt arrest thousands who have read, shared JAC leak?
The Lawyers for Liberty has slammed authorities for threatening action under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) over the alleged leak of Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) meeting minutes. The legal rights group's director Zaid Malek said the move is unnecessary and shows a disconnect with public concerns over alleged interference with judicial independence. 'Is the government intending to...
Malaysiakini
01-07-2025
- Malaysiakini
Court of Appeal bins 'Mentega Terbang' filmmakers' legal challenge
A three-member Court of Appeal bench has dismissed an application by 'Mentega Terbang' filmmakers to appeal against a High Court decision related to two constitutional questions based on charges of wounding religious feelings under Section 298 of the Penal Code. When contacted, lawyer Zaid Malek said there are no further avenues to appeal against the dismissal.
