Senator Razali Idris a SuperDuper Patriot???

Malaysiakini:

Harapan Plus senators rebut caucus chair's 'mental illness' jibe at netizens

A group of Harapan Plus senators belonging to the Dewan Negara People's Wellbeing caucus today rebutted their chairperson, Senator Razali Idris, over his remarks likening online criticism of the government to a serious mental illness.

The group of 21 senators noted Razali's call for sterner actions against any form of incitement, obscenities and insults towards the government, either through a new law or amendments to Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

"He appears to be extra vulnerable to harsh public criticisms on the government's weaknesses in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, to the point of being willing to silence the public's freedom of expression, contrary to basic human rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

"Senator Razali should also show more maturity as a senate member and not misuse the term 'mental health', with little sensitivity to real sufferings brought on by economic uncertainties throughout the movement control order period," they said in a joint statement today.

Further, the group said the caucus was set up last December as a bipartisan platform to discuss national issues, including the halal meat scandal and prison overcrowding.

They said Razali had chaired several meetings throughout the month but none so far were called for this year.

"As a senate member, undeniably he has a right to speak up, although this time we disagreed with his views.

"However, it is inappropriate for him to represent the caucus when the uttered view is so controversial and partisan," they stressed.

The senators from PKR, Amanah, DAP, Warisan and yet-to-be-registered Bersatu splinter, Pejuang, further urged all parties to heed Senate president Rais Yatim's call for the Dewan Negara to be a more bipartisan platform.

Bernama yesterday quoted Razali as saying that Parliament could enact a new law under Article 10(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution to restrict freedom of speech on matters including internal security, moral principles, public order and international relations.

Razali, who is also the Senators Council deputy president, also claimed that the People's Wellbeing caucus has condemned alleged "unpatriotic acts" committed online against the royal institution, the prime minister and the country.