PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim should not be using the police to defend his reputation by urging action against his critics, said Lawyers for Liberty. 

Its director Zaid Malek said it was “unlawful, unconstitutional, and tyrannical” for the PM or any government minister to rely upon enforcement authorities to clamp down on any speech that “creates a negative perception” of their leadership. 

“If the Prime Minister or anyone in the government feels that they have been defamed, there is recourse in the civil courts that is available to clear their name.  

“In our democracy, the PM has no special status under the law different from ordinary citizens. It is unlawful for him to utilise the police to defend his reputation,” Zaid said in a statement. 

He was referring to a police announcement yesterday that they had opened an investigation for criminal defamation under section 500 of the Penal Code against Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin Yassin for alleged defamatory statements against the prime minister. 

The offence carries a prison sentence. 

Zaid said it was appalling and undemocratic that the police report was lodged by the PM’s own political secretary.  

“Clearly the police report could not have been made without Anwar’s approval.  

“And the purpose of the police report is clearly to silence criticism against Anwar by his political opponent Muhyiddin and potentially others who choose to criticise Anwar,” he said. 

Zaid also reminded Anwar that Pakatan Harapan had been the subject of such police reports for criticism of the then prime minister Najib Razak. 

He said the trend of lodging police reports against critics could set a dangerous precedent as similar action could be taken against anyone else who expressed dissent against the PM or the government or any of its ministers. 

He added that this also rendered meaningless the right to freedom of expression of the people guaranteed under article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution and endangered civil liberties. 

 “We remind the government that the police are not here to protect the image or reputation of the prime minister or the government that he leads. Their job is to keep the public safe from crime and maintain public order.  

“A mature and democratic government publicly responds to and answers criticism, instead of trying to jail critics.” 

Zaid said Anwar must direct his political secretary to withdraw the police report with immediate effect as it is a matter for the civil courts.  

He also said the police must halt any criminal investigation for the alleged defamatory statements immediately as it is not their job to protect the PM’s reputation. 

Anwar has also filed several defamation lawsuits against opposition members of parliament in recent months. – March 15, 2023.