18 groups condemn HRD Corp’s legal threats against media, call for anti-SLAPP laws

MALAYSIA: In a joint media statement dated 20 July 2024, eighteen organizations condemned the Human Resource Development Corp (HRD Corp) and the Minister of Human Resources for threatening legal action against The Edge Communications Sdn Bhd and one of its writers over alleged defamation.

This pertains to their reporting on findings by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Auditor General concerning HRD Corp.

The articles in question, titled “PAC flags dubious property deals by HRD Corp” and “Frankly Speaking: Total breach of governance at HRD Corp,” highlighted significant governance issues within HRD Corp.

The groups argue that the legal action constitutes a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), aimed at intimidating the media and stifling public discourse on matters of national interest.

HRD Corp, established under the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad Act 2001, is responsible for imposing and collecting a human resources development levy to promote employee training. The agency’s governance, including its Board of Directors and Investment Panel, is appointed by the Minister of Human Resources. Notably, since 2017, the Investment Panel has lacked a representative from Bank Negara Malaysia, violating the Act and rendering the panel’s actions invalid.

The PAC revealed misuse of funds, including the RM51.69 million Gerak Insan Gemilang (GIG) scheme, where 3,727 participants attended multiple sessions, some up to 16 times, suggesting an abuse of funds. Despite these findings, the Minister and HRD Corp have disputed the results, proposing an independent audit while referring the matter to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Minister Steven Sim recently instructed the withdrawal of the legal threat against The Edge Communications, but the groups demand an apology and appropriate remedy for the victims. They call on the government and its agencies to refrain from using SLAPP suits against the media and human rights defenders, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression and public scrutiny.

The undersigned groups urge Malaysia to enact anti-SLAPP laws to protect individuals exercising their rights from intimidation through the courts. Anti-SLAPP laws are essential to maintaining public discourse and holding entities accountable.

Signed by:

1. ALIRAN
2. MADPET (Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture)
3. Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
4. Centre for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC), Malaysia
5. Cambodian League for the Promotion & Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO)
6. Haiti Action Committee
7. IDEAS (The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs), Malaysia
8. Labour Solidarity and Learning Resource Association (LLRC), Malaysia
9. Malaysian Action For Justice And Unity (MAJU)
10. North-South Initiative (NSI), Malaysia
11. Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM)
12. Payday Men’s Network (UK/US)
13. Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor (PSWS)
14. Sabah Timber Industry Employees’ Union (STIEU)
15. Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA)
16. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia [SABM]
17. Singapore Anti Death Penalty Committee (SADPC)
18. WH4C (Workers Hub For Change)