KUALA LUMPUR – The Singapore Attorney-General’s Chambers has issued a letter stating that news portal MalaysiaNow, non-governmental organisation Lawyers For Liberty (LFL), and Singaporean lawyer M. Ravi have possibly acted in contempt of court.
It is understood the letter was sent in light of a publication by MalaysiaNow about 17 Malay death row inmates – including one Malaysian – who filed a historic racial discrimination suit against the Singapore government.
The letter by Singaporean Attorney-General Lucien Wong was sent to the inmates’ lawyer Ravi.
It stated that MalaysiaNow, LFL and Ravi himself may be in contempt for having details of the suit published.
“Ravi is Singapore’s most prominent human rights lawyer who is known internationally for his pro bono advocacy in death penalty cases.
“Apart from this latest threat, Singapore has also hit Ravi with multiple professional disciplinary complaints over arguments he had made in court on behalf of death row inmates,” the statement by LFL advisor N. Surendran said.
He stated that the actions by the Singapore government over the news article were both disproportionate and heavy handed, although the publication merely reported on the filing of the suit.
“Clearly, the Singapore government is extremely fearful of any public discussion of racially discriminatory practices in the city-state.
“As regards the threat against the Malaysians, this is not the first time Singapore has threatened criminal sanctions or legal action against Malaysian activists or entities exercising freedom of speech within Malaysia.
“Previously, Singapore threatened LFL with its notorious Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (2019) for having published details of brutality in carrying out hangings in Changi prison,” he said.
The Vibes has reached out to the Singapore High Commission for an explanation regarding this matter and is awaiting a response. – The Vibes, September 3, 2021
