Why is Parti Amanah Negara urging an impartial police investigation?

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Parti Amanah Negara Advocates for Impartial Investigation into Refugee Activist Heidy Quah

Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) is urging the police to conduct an impartial investigation into refugee activist Heidy Quah due to concerns that current laws might be misused to suppress public expression and conceal potential weaknesses within government agencies. Amanah emphasizes that citizens should have the freedom to voice their opinions responsibly regarding government bodies, which are ultimately funded by taxpayers, and believes a fair inquiry is necessary given the nature of the allegations.
Investigation into Allegations of Mistreatment

Heidy Quah, director of Refuge For The Refugees, is currently under police investigation following a report filed by the Immigration Department. The investigation stems from a Facebook post made by Quah detailing alleged mistreatment of refugees within Immigration detention centres. This inquiry is being conducted under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which pertains to defamation, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, related to the improper use of network facilities.
Right to Responsible Public Expression

Amanah's communications director, Khalid Abd Samad, stated that the public should be afforded the opportunity to express their views and opinions responsibly concerning government agencies. He highlighted that these agencies are supported by public funds, implying a right for taxpayers to question and comment on their operations. Amanah acknowledges the necessity of a police inquiry when a report is filed but stresses the importance of this investigation being conducted professionally and equitably, particularly as it involves claims of slander against a state body.
Concerns Over Misuse of Laws and Agency Accountability

The party expresses apprehension that existing legislation could be employed to shield government agencies from scrutiny regarding their potential shortcomings or failures. Amanah argues that such practices could foster public fear and negatively impact national well-being. To address Quah's report, Amanah proposed that the Immigration Department adopt a proactive stance by forming an independent body to review and publicly release a transparent report on the actual conditions within detention centres.
Suggested Rebuttals and Legal Recourse

Amanah suggested that the Immigration Department could effectively counter alleged false and slanderous claims by publishing visual evidence, such as photographs, depicting the real circumstances within the detention facilities. Following such a disclosure, the department could then pursue legal action against the complainant for submitting false reports and engaging in slander. This approach aims to address allegations directly while upholding accountability for those making unsubstantiated claims.

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Why is Parti Amanah Negara urging an impartial police investigation?

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