In a series of events in recent weeks, the Malaysian government has demonstrated an alarming tendency to use draconian measures against peaceful demonstrations and other forms of civil society actions.
On 10 November, a huge demonstration was held by the Coalition for Free and Clean Elections (BERSIH), bringing together a remarkably broad range of civil society organizations campaigning for electoral reform, together with all major opposition political parties. We applauded their spirit of unity and their well-organized, peaceful behavior, even in the face of aggressive police confrontation. Therefore, we have been dismayed that the government’s response was a massive show of force, followed by the arrest at least 34 of the organizers and participants.
On 25 November, a demonstration by the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) provoked an even harsher reaction from the government, with police forcibly breaking up the event and 99 participants charged with various offenses. Furthermore, on 13 December, 5 leaders of HINDRAF were detained under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA), 3 of whom have additionally been charged with sedition.
On 10 December, an event organized by the Malaysian Bar Association to commemorate International Human Rights Day resulted in the arrests of 9 lawyers and human rights activists.
On 11 December, 17 members of Bersih were arrested while attempting to deliver a petition to the Parliament.
We call on the Malaysian government to desist in its punitive measures against peaceful demonstrators, by dropping or not filing charges on those involved. In particular, we strongly condemn the use of the ISA, which is totally disproportionate in these cases. Moreover, the ISA ought to be abolished as soon as possible, and all detained under its provisions either released or prosecuted under normal fair trial conditions.
At the same time, we firmly support the continued efforts by Malaysian civil society organizations, such as the vigil on 22 December organized by the Abolish ISA Movement (GMI), to work for the realization of the basic freedoms of assembly, speech, and association in Malaysia.
ENDS
For all inquiries:
Bo Tedards, Coordinator, World Forum for Democratization in Asia
Tel: +886-2-2708-0100, ext. 212
Fax: +886-2-2708-1148
Email: bo@taiwandemocracy.org.tw
What the UMNO government is doing, has been doing, using fear and threats to bully its people needs to be strongly criticised strongly. Pressure needs to be applied from within as well as from without the country. Our final objective is the attainment of a more progressive society - devoid of cronyism, corruption, racism and inequality among peoples.
The ISA must be abolished!
Thank you WFDFA.
why has Bangkit not displayed my earlier comments on this report. Is Bangkit too frightened by the comment, that it may rattle the powers that be?