Written question asked by Ann Clwyd (Labour) on Thursday, 24 November 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 November 2016. It was answered by Lord Sharma (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 November 2016 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Malaysia: Demonstrations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Malaysian counterpart on the (a) use of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 in that country to arrest and detain Maria Chin Abdullah and other peaceful demonstrators and campaigners and (b) release of those demonstrators detained under that Act.

Answer: I understand Maria Chin Abdullah has now been released following her detention under the Special Offences (Security Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA). This is a positive development. We have a regular dialogue with Malaysian ministers on human rights, including the use of SOSMA and the right to peaceful protest. Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London also meet periodically with representatives of Malaysian Civil Society to hear their concerns. We shall continue to follow these issues and wider civil society in Malaysia very closely.

Secondary information