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The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) condemns the Prime
Minister’s warning to use the Internal Security Act (ISA) to prevent
future public rallies, after the Sunday rally organized by Hindraf which
drew a reported crowd of 30 000, and the BERSIH rally earlier this month.

On 28 November, the local media quoted the Prime Minister as saying that
the government was ready to use the ISA, or detention without trial up
to two years, if a situation “warrants” its usage to prevent “untoward
incidents that can harm the prevailing peace and harmony”.

CIJ is concerned that this latest warning clearly shows the extent to
which the government will go to quash any forms of criticism. The last
time that the government’s top brass threatened to use the ISA was in
July this year when Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Nazri
Aziz issued the threat against bloggers, who were targeted because of
their criticism of government policy and corrupt practices.

The PM’s threat raises suspicion that the government now prefers to
bypass the court after three key leaders of Hindraf, P. Uthayakumar, P.
Waythamoorthy and Ganapathy Rao were discharged by the Klang
Magistrate’s court on November 26 where they faced charges under the
Sedition Act in an attempt to break the rally.

CIJ condemns the threat as instilling fear among citizens to deter them
from participating in any public gatherings. The controversial ISA,
which has been widely criticized both internationally and locally, is a
mark of a government that treats dissent and public criticism with
unjust measures. The government shouldn’t ignore the voices of
Malaysians who aired their grievances legitimately. In an environment
where there is limited avenues for critical expressions and debates on
issues confronting the society, a public gathering should be recognised
as a legitimate mode of expression, as is clearly enshrined in Article
10 of the Federal Constitution.

CIJ urges the government to stop using harsh measures against its
citizens who wish to express their dissatisfaction and appeals to the
government. Peaceful assemblies should be allowed without interference
from the police and without threats from the government.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) aspires for a
society that is democratic, just and free, where all people will enjoy
free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Ends

Issued by

Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director

For more information, please contact Wai Fong at 03 40230772