‘Change old law or wither democracy’

Justice for all: People walking past the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya as lawyers call for change to GPA 1956.

PETALING JAYA: A 62-year-old law needs to be changed to ensure our federal and state governments cannot sue a person for defamation. This is to counter a landmark judg- ment by the Federal Court that has raised fears that freedom of speech in Malaysia may be jeopardised.

Lawyers, politicians and civil groups are calling for the Government Proceedings Act 1956 (GPA) to be amended to prevent the government from filing defamation lawsuits against individuals, which many say will deter the public from criticising the authorities.