Asylum bid to political activist reflects the country's situation: Ambiga

Former Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenavasan said the asylum bid to political activist, Ali Abd Jalil is a reflection of the real situation in Malaysia.

The prominent lawyer called on the government to analyse the reason why Ali felt he needed to flee the country.

“The government should think why Ali felt the need to leave the country,” she said at the ‘Freedom of Expression: Under Threat' forum oraganised by the Malaysian Bar Council here, Thursday.

Ambiga also questioned the need to improve the Sedition Act 1948 which was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the 68th UMNO general assembly last month. The proposed anti-terrorism laws should also be enhanced, she added.

The laws, said Ambiga would only curtail the freedom of speech of Malaysians.

"My own view is that there are enough laws. We have to look at the question of implementation of the laws. We really need to have more confidence in the people of Malaysia,” she said.

Ali, on his Facebook account Tuesday claimed that he was granted political asylum from Sweden and that he no longer need to abide by the existing laws.

Prior to this, UMNO Youth leader, Khairy Jamaluddin in his Twitter account had ‘welcomed’ the political asylum granted to Ali.

Local actress Jo Kukathas, who also spoke at the forum viewed Khairy’s statement as ‘disturbing.’

"The remark is disturbing because it comes from a politician. I see a real threat to our freedom. Things have changed so much from 25 years ago,” she said.

Ali faces sedition charges for allegedly insulting the Malaysian monarchy on his Facebook.

He was arrested on Sept 8 and released after 22 days being detained on Sept 29. He then made a swift escape to Stockholm, exiting the country through the Malaysia-Thailand border in Danok.

Ali and controversial blogger, Alvin Tan had their passports revoked by the Immigration Department earlier this week as a move to warn those who break the laws and make controversial statements.

The duo had been asked to surrender their passports at a nearest Malaysian Immigration department or Malaysian Mission.