This resolution follows advocacy by FIDH and its member organisation SUARAM, who have been raising awareness of the situation among MEPs, in order push the EP to demand strong EU commitments regarding human rights in Malaysia.
The EP deplored the continued application of death penalty, the criminalisation of LGBTI people, and the general crackdown on civil society, especially against political and media activists. It called for the abolition of the death penalty, the repeal of the Sedition Act and the adaptation of all legislation to international standards of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and protection of human rights. The EP expressed particularl concern about the adoption of the National Security Council Bill and urged its withdrawal. As trade negotiations are about to resume between the EU and Malaysia, the resolution also includes a recommendation to the Commission to take human rights into account during future bilateral negotiations.