SUARAM | Suara Rakyat Malaysia

Peaceful Vigil Turns Ugly- Police arrested 18

tukangkebun — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:22:22 +0000

Press Statement: 23rd May, 2012

Peaceful Vigil Turns Ugly- Police arrested 18

SUARAM records its strongest condemnation against the unlawful arrests of 18 individuals who stood in solidarity with Adam Adli in a candle light vigil outside Jinjang Remand Centre on the 22 May 2013. The demonstration of the State’s power and might with such vigor in the Adam Adli saga was clear it defied logic and reasons.

We believe the whole process of 5 days remand on Adam Adli is mala fide as the audio and video recordings of his speech as evidence is easily available on Internet. Why there was a need to remand this young activist for further 5 days in the name of investigation?

The quick response to arrest coupled with the sudden and convenient shift in investigations raised substantial conviction that the persecution was orchestrated to instil fear in legitimate dissenters. Staunch supporters gathered in solidarity on a nightly basis for Adam Adli since 18/5/2012. The crowd grew larger by the day and on 22/5/2012, with about 1,000 supporters, the police moved in and arrested 18 individuals, of whom 4 were women.

SUARAM denounces the arbitrary arrests made by the police in the guise of the unconstitutional Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. In this political motivated show of might, several detainees were physically assaulted by the police before being arrested. None of the detainees were allowed to exercise their fundamental right to counsel provided for under S28A of the Criminal Procedure Code and Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution.

Lawyers representing the detainees were unlawfully restricted and confined at the check-in gate and were not allowed to perform their duties to represent and provide advice to their clients. They were only allowed to meet their clients after a lengthy protest. The actions and/or inaction of the police amount to a wilful and unlawful obstruction of justice and fundamental rights of the detainees.

At around 2 o’clock in the early morning, all the detainees were released after their statements were taken, without the presence of their lawyers. SUARAM strongly condemns such deliberation to unlawfully detain the protesters according to the whims and fancies of top officials and questions the grounds of the arrests and detention of the peaceful supporters.

SUARAM denounces the State’s abusive display of power and might using the police and oppressive legislation. These forms of intimidation and harassment are highly unwarranted and oppressive. The victimization of peaceful dissenters grounded on the insecurities of the State is highly unacceptable and abominable.

Released by,

Thevarajan

Right to Justice

DHARMENDRAN, ANOTHER VICTIM OF POLICE BRUTALITY

tukangkebun — Fri, 24 May 2013 07:20:24 +0000

DHARMENDRAN, ANOTHER VICTIM OF POLICE BRUTALITY

SUARAM strongly condemns the police for causing the death of N. Dharmendran, on 21/5/2012. Dharmendran, 31, had on or about 11/5/2012 lodged a police report at Pudu Police Station in relation to a fight where he was reportedly alleged to be involved in. Subsequently, the deceased was arrested, detained and was remanded pending police investigation.

According to his widow, she was waiting for the deceased to be released on bail on 21/5/2012 but instead, she received a phone call from the police informing her of her husband’s death. It was reported that the post mortem would be conducted by Hospital Kuala Lumpur’s pathologist Dr Siew Sheue Feng who had in the past performed examination on alleged sodomy victim Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan.

SUARAM is gravely concerned on the injury marks on Dharmendran’s body and demands immediate response to the following:-

1. Why were there staples on the deceased’s ears?;

2. Who inflicted the bruises all over the deceased body?;

3. What were the grounds considered by the Magistrate in allowing the police’s application for remand?; and

4. The status of investigation on Dharmendran at the time of the application for remand and subsequently bail.

SUARAM demands IGP Khalid Abu Bakar and Home Minister Zahid Hamidi to take responsibility over the death and announce to the public on when and what actions will be taken against the officers in charge of Dharmendran. SUARAM expects nothing short of transparency and independence of the police and the Home Ministry in this matter.

On this note, SUARAM strongly urge the following actions be taken immediately:-

1. An independent and transparent investigation on the officers in charge of Dharmendran;

2. The police to disclose the Daily Journal kept by the officer in charge of Dharmendran during the initial detention and remand period;

3. An urgent intervention from the Magistrate who had approved the remand application and further heard the bail application; and

4. The Attorney General to initiate proceedings against the officers in charge of Dharmendran.

For as long as the police are allowed to commit these hideous criminal offences with impunity, the police are not qualified boast and to make public announcements on the level of safety and security on the streets. In fact, the police should start focussing to improve the safety of suspects under police supervision and custody.

The speedy approach taken by the police in arresting peaceful dissenters should be equally, if not more vigorously applied to the officers in this case which had caused the life of Dharmendran. Without an independent mechanism to punish these blood thirsty officers, the public will see more fatalities in police custody, police shooting and spiralling corruption in the police force. SUARAM awaits the response from the IGP and the Home Minister.

Released by,

Thevarajan

Right to Justice

Memorandum Kepada Menteri Dalam Negeri, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

tukangkebun — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:13:43 +0000

Memorandum Kepada Menteri Dalam Negeri, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

Kami mewakili 31 organisasi Bukan Kerajaan di Malaysia yang terdiri dari Pertubuhan Hak Asasi Manusia, pertubuhan hak pekerja, komuniti masyarakat, kumpulan anak muda dan pelajar memandang serius penahanan bermotifkan politik yang dilakukan oleh pihak PDRM. Kami menghantar memorandum ini dengan hasrat penahanan berunsur politik dihentikan dengan serta-merta dan hak rakyat berhimpun dan meluahkan pandangan seperti yang terjamin dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan dihormati.

Hari ini, 22 May, adalah hari ke-4, Adam Adli Abd Halim berada dalam reman pihak polis di Pusat tahanan Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur. Aktivis muda ini sedang disiasat di bawah Akta Hasutan dan Kanun keseksaan(seksyen 124b) hanya kerana menyuarakan pendapat untuk sebuah pilihanraya yang adil dan bersih di Malaysia.

Tindakan Polis dan Peguam Negara meminta reman sebanyak 5 hari adalah satu tindakan menghukum anak muda ini dan kami rasa bukan bertujuan untuk menjalankan satu siasatan yang adil. Jika apa yang diluahkan oleh Adam Adli adalah kononnya berunsurkan hasutan, maka rakaman audio dan video cukup untuk membuktikan kes di mahkamah dan tidak perlu untuk satu reman panjang. Namun nampaknya motif polis adalah untuk menghukum dan mengwujudkan suasana takut dikalangan rakyat.

Kami kecewa dengan tindakan polis membuat penahanan ini dan meminta Kementerian Dalam Negeri(KDN) menasihatkan pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) bertindak neutral dan tidak melakukan tugas bermotifkan politik. Isu di mana ADUN Seri Setia Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad di hadapkan ke mahkamah untuk tuduhan di bawah Akta Perhimpunan Aman 2012 turut memberi imej yang sama kepada rakyat.

Penahanan berterusan penganjur perhimpunan aman ini juga menjejaskan imej YAB Perdana menteri yang sebelum ini telah mengatakan beliau melakukan transformasi politik dimana hak rakyat untuk bersuara akan dihormati.

Kerajaan harus menghormati hak bersuara dan hak berhimpun oleh rakyat secara aman. Hak fundamental ini dijamin di bawah Perlembagaan Persekutuan Malaysia. Tindakan menyekat kebebasan berhimpun dan bersuara adalah satu pencabulan hak asasi dan tidak lagi boleh diteima oleh rakyat dalam zaman moden dan bertamadum kini. Adalah juga suatu kenyataan kesemua perhimpunan yang berlangsung selepas PRU baik yang ada kebenaran polis ataupun yang tiada, semuanya berjalan secara aman, teratur dan tanpa sebarang ancaman kepada ketenteramana awam.

Kami organisasi yang menandatangani memorandum ini dengan ini mendesak YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, mengambil langkah yang bijak untuk meredakan kemarahan rakyat dan menghentikan penindasan politik ini dengan serta merta dan menuntut:

1. Adam Adli dibebaskan dengan sertamerta dan semua tuduhan keatas beliau digugurkan.

2. Hormati hak rakyat berhimpun dan meluahkan perasaan seperti hak yang dijamin dalam Perlembagaan Negara.

3. Hentikan sebarang penahanan bermotifkan politik.

Penggunaan undang-undang zalim keatas yang rakyat yang hanya mengamalkan hak-hak demokrasi mereka akan memberi imej buruk kepada PDRM dan Negara amnya. Kerajaan yang memerintah harus menjalankan tanggunjawab secara adil dan saksama dan pihak polis harus dibenarkan menjalankan tanggungjawab mereka secara profesional dan berlandaskan undang-undang.

Di sokong oleh:

1. Malaysian for Beng Hock

2. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

3. Community Development Centre (CDC)

4. Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)

5. Persatuan Sahabat Wanita

6. Pusat KOMAS

7. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)

8. Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT)

9. Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (PERMAS)

10. Community Action Network (CAN)

11. Lawyers For Liberty (LFL)

12. National Institute For Electoral Integrity (NIEI)

13. Civil Right Committee KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall

14. Malaysia Youth and Student Democratic Movement

15. Kumpulan Aktivis Mahasiswa Independen (KAMI)

16. Legasi Mahasiswa Progresif (MMP)

17. Gabungan Mahasiswa Pantai Timur (GEMPUR)

18. Gabungan Mahasiswa UITM Malaysia (GAMUS)

19. Women section of KLSCAH

20. Persatuan Shing An KL & Selangor Women Section

21. Pertubuhan Pembangunan Wanita Malaysia PJ New Town Branch

22. Gerakan Menuntut Pendidikan Percuma (GMPP)

23. Education and Research Association for Consumers (ERA Consumer) Malaysia

24. Persatuan alumni PBTUSM KL & Selangor

25. Kelab Bangsar Utama

26. Tenaganita

27. Amnesty International Malaysia (AI)

28. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM)

29. Pemuda Dewan Perhimpunan China KL & Selangor (Pemuda KLSCAH)

30. Jawatankuasa Masyarakat Madani Pusat Pembangunan Kebudayaan Lim Lian Geok (LLG)

31. Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor

SAME OLD GOVERNMENT, SAME OLD WAYS

tukangkebun — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:01:29 +0000

SAME OLD GOVERNMENT, SAME OLD WAYS

COMMENT by: SUARAM Team

The Broken Promise

Three years ago, Prime Minister Najib claimed that he had marked the herald to a new era with his promise to grant greater freedoms to the people. With a delicate balance on national security and fundamental freedoms of the people, he repealed the Internal Security Act 1960, three Emergency proclamations, Restricted Residence Act 1933, Banishment Act 1959 and reviewed the University and University Colleges Act 1971 and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. However, in practice it appears to be merely a strive for political mileage as the fundamental freedoms of the people are still being denied by the government and its agencies.

The same can be seen in the 13^th General Elections. On 5^th May 2013, arguably the most ferocious General Elections in Malaysian history, Barisan Nasional was declared the victor and Najib was appointed as the Prime Minister for the first time. Many argued the outcome of the GE13 were marred with fraud, phantom voters, washable indelible ink, irregularities in the gazetted electoral roll and heightened political violence which saw bomb blasts at campaign sites and even a murder case throughout the campaign period. At the same time, various forms of harassment of human rights defenders took place.

The Herald of a New Era

Democracy flourished since the birth of social media and critical alternative news portal. With the luxury came the awareness of the people on current issues in the country. The Election Commission’s findings were indicative, if not evident of the fact that the voters turnout for the GE13 was tremendous and a true sign of democracy.

Many photographic and video evidence indicating electoral irregularities were available on the cyberspace and countless reports and complaints were made to the police against the EC for the lack of professionalism and integrity in ensuring a free and fair election.

The overwhelming dissatisfaction against the EC, coupled with the betrayal of the sanctity of voters’ free will culminated to massive protests against the serious problems plaguing the outcome of the GE13.

Concerted Actions to Quell Legitimate Dissent

There was least to the public’s imagination that the Police, the Registrar of Society and the EC were independent and impartial from what had been demonstrated during the GE13.

The RoS, which had harassed SUARAM for seven months before ceasing following a Judicial Review in the High Court was commissioned again to harass the Democratic Action Party at the eleventh hour prior to GE13 nomination day. DAP’s eligibility and qualification to contest in the GE13 were threatened, and even more absurd, ridiculous tasks were given at the very last minute with a tight deadline.

Serious matters which require immediate attention to were kept in view by the police. These include the death by murder of Murugan, a Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s campaigner, several bomb blasts at campaign sites, countless reports and complaints made to the police against the EC, seditious “Chinese Tsunami” statements made by Ministers and the investigation on Utusan Malaysia’s “Apa Lagi Cina Mahu” (“What else do the Chinese want?”) headline, the racist group attacks on anti-racism student group in Penang, and the investigation on bloggers Papagomo and MiloSuam, just to name a few.

Instead of immediately responding to the cases, the focus was directed to harassing human rights defenders. The concerted actions taken by the government and its agencies in encroaching into the people’s democratic space flew in the face of Najib and his promises. The civil service was perverted before and still is after all these years. As repeatedly stated by SUARAM on many occasions, governments may come and go but the civil service remains impartial at all times and should never act on political instructions from the government.

The Use of Regressive Legislations

Regressive legislations such as the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the Sedition Act 1948 and Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 were used/threatened to be used against human rights defenders pre and post GE13. Prior to the election, threats of political instability and racial riots similar to the May 13 were used to raise fear among the people should anything untoward takes place post GE13.

Several members of the opposition parties were questioned and charged for having allegedly organised/participated in illegal assemblies under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. The act which was rushed to passage without public consultation was used as a tool by government and its organs to quell legitimate dissent.

The Sedition Act 1948, dubbed irrelevant and as the stumbling block to freedom of expression was used, regardless of previous talks and initiatives by the government to repeal the law. Similar to the draconian ISA 1960, the act was used and defended until the last moment before any constructive steps are taken to repeal the act. The use of the Sedition Act on Batu MP Chua Tian Chang prior to GE13 and the latest arrest and detention of student activist, Adam Adli had proven just that.

The threat of possible use of the SOSMA 2012 against “rioters” during the GE13 were floating in the air like an imminent threat, until the government had to resort to a public statement to confirm that it will never be used for the purposes of GE13.

Perhaps, the statements made by the former IGP Ismail Omar who said that the police would still use the old ways to maintain public order, if they are appropriate despite the absence of ISA 1960 and the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1960 would ring a bell.

The new Inspector-General of Police and Home Minister’s comments were worrying for the people. Home Minister, Zahid Hamidi’s suggestions to revamp the Ministry were of SUARAM’s grave concern as the police would now join the ranks of army in training to reduce crime and to ensure public order. It was made public shortly after the present IGP Khalid Abu Bakar had complimented former IGP Ismail Omar’s Ops Daulat operation in Lahad Datu, Sabah. Instead of focussing on how to reduce fatalities of suspects in police lock-ups and fatal police shootings, the police would now undergo their training with the military in firearms related situations to combat crime.

Adding Salt to the Wound

Chairman of EC, Abdul Aziz had on few public occasions answered questions pertaining to the complaints raised by the voters in regard to vote rigging. However most of the answers were bare denials. As the body solely responsible for the operation of GE13, it did little to dismiss the damning allegations of electoral fraud.

With only bare denials and a promise to investigate the complaints thoroughly, the EC had failed to diffuse the tension among legitimate voters. If at all any actions were to be taken to prosecute peaceful and legitimate human rights defenders, it would be the sole responsibility of the EC to stop the police because the EC is solely responsible in creating the tension and disappointment among the voters.

Malaysians had matured and ready to embrace democracy in a legitimate and peaceful manner. On this note, SUARAM calls upon the government and its agencies to cease all forms of intimidation and harassment against human rights defenders. SUARAM beseech that constructive steps be taken to end the various investigations and release the results to the public. The damage to the sanctity of the voter’s choice and free will had already been done but adding salt to the wounds is definitely not the way forward.

SUARAM URGENT APPEAL: RELEASE STUDENT ACTIVIST ADAM ADLI IMMEDIATELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY

tukangkebun — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:58:47 +0000

SUARAM URGENT APPEAL:

RELEASE STUDENT ACTIVIST ADAM ADLI IMMEDIATELY AND UNCONDITIONALLY

SUARAM requests your urgent intervention in the following detention of Mr Adam Adli, Student Activist from Malaysia. SUARAM is dedicated to the protection of Human Rights Defenders and aims to offer them concrete support in their time of need.

Brief description of the situation:

SUARAM condemns the arbitrary and unlawful detention of Student Activist, Adam Adli under the Section 4 of the Sedition Act[1] which prohibiting discourse deemed as seditious and if found guilty under the act, Adam could be jailed for up to three years, fined not more than RM 5,000, or both.

Student activist Adam Adli was arrested in Bangsar on 18 May 2013 by ten plainclothes police officers around 3.15pm on 18 May 2013. He is believed to be arrested over the remarks he made during a post-election forum organised by Suara Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) on 13 May 2013 at Kl/Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur. During the forum, Adam had joined several other anti-government NGOs in calling for a massive street rally to express unhappiness over the fraud that happened related to electoral process in the country during the 13^th General election that was held on 5^th May 2013.

He was immediately were brought to Jinjang police remand centre. He is currently being kept in lock up. This acts by police to put Adam immediately into lock up clearly shows that, police has no intention to do further investigation rather they has made decision to hold Adam Adli arbitrarily . Adam is believed to be remand on 19 May 2013.
SUARAM condemns the arbitrary detention and judicial harassment against Adam Adli which seems to merely aim at sanctioning his peaceful activities and his freedom of expression in the framework of the campaign against the frauds that happened during General election.

SUARAM urge the police to show respect of the people’s freedom of expression and release Adam Adli immediately. The police have started their hunting since post-election. All this harassment and intimidation against human rights defenders must stop now.

Malaysia has already an atrocious international record on democracy and human rights and it should not join the ranks of rogue countries universally regarded as most notorious and infamous for their reckless disregard for the most basic human rights – human dignity and life.

Released by,

Nalini Elumalai

Executive Director

SUARAM

Actions requested:

Please write to the authorities of Malaysia, urging them to:
i. Guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of Adam Adli as well as of all human rights defenders in Malaysia;

ii. Release Adam Adli immediately and unconditionally since his detention is arbitrary as it seems to merely sanction his human rights activities;

iii. Put an end to acts of any harassment – including at the judicial level – against Adam Adli as well as against all human rights defenders in Malaysia;

iv. Abolish Sedition Act 1948 which against human rights principles;

v.    Comply with all the provisions of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, in particular with its:
-   Article 1, which provides that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to promote and to strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the national and international levels”;
-   Article 6(a), which foresees that “everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to participate in peaceful activities against violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms”;
-   Article 12.2 (“the State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration”);

vi. More generally, ensure in all circumstances the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and with international and regional human rights instruments.

Addresses:

1. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak,

Prime Minister of Malaysia,

Prime Minister’s Office,

Main Block, Perdana Putra Building,

Federal Government Administrative Centre,

62502 Putrajaya , MALAYSIA

Tel: 603-8888 8000

Fax: 603-8888 3444

E-Mail: ppm@pmo.gov.my

Salutation: Dear Prime Minister of Malaysia

2. Datuk Zahid Hamidi
Ministry of Home Affairs
Blok D1 & D2, Kompleks D
Pusat Pentadbiran
Kerajaan Persekutuan
62546 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Fax : +60 3 8889 1613, +60 3 8889 1610
Salutation: Dear Minister of Home Affairs

3. Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar,

IInspector General of Royal Malaysian Police

Ibu Pejabat Polis Diraja Malaysia,

Bukit Aman,

50560 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 603-2266 2222
Fax: 603-2070 7500
E-Mail: rmp@rmp.gov.my

Salutation: Dear Inspector General

4. Chairman/Secretary

Malaysian Human Rights Commission,

Level 11, Menara TH Perdana,

Jalan Sultan Ismail,

50250 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03 26125600

Fax: 03 26125620

5. Mr. Frank La Rue
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Fax: +41 22 917 9006
Email: freedex @ohchr .or

6. Ms. Margaret Sekaggya,

Special Rapporteur on the situation on human rights defenders,

Email: defenders@ohchr.org, urgent-action@ohchr.org, ksmeby@ohchr.org

Kindly inform us of any action undertaken.

To contact SUARAM;

· E-mail: suaram@suaram.net
· Tel and fax SUARAM : + 60377843525/ + 60377843526

[1] 4. (1) Any person who—

(a) does or attempts to do, or makes any preparation to do, or conspires with any person to do, any act which has or which would, if done, have a seditious tendency; (b) utters any seditious words;
(c) prints, publishes, sells, offers for sale, distributes or reproduces any seditious publication; or (d) imports any seditious publication,shall be guilty of an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable for a first offence to a fine not exceeding five thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both, and, for a subsequent offence, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; and any seditious publication found in the possession of the person or used in evidence at his trial shall be forfeited and may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the court directs.

SUARAM Urge the Charges against Nik Nazmi to be Dropped Immediately and Unconditionally

tukangkebun — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:43:06 +0000

PRESS STATEMENT: 17 MAY 2013

SUARAM Urge the Charges against Nik Nazmi to be Dropped Immediately and Unconditionally

SUARAM condemns the move by the police and the Attorney General to charge Seri Setia Assembly-person Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) today (17 May 2013) for failing to give 10 days’ notice to the police for the May 8 Blackout 505 rally in Kelana Jaya Stadium.

SUARAM views this selective prosecution against Nik Nazmi as arbitrary and politically motivated and raises serious questions about the political neutrality of the police. These charges also highlight the ongoing failure of this government to respect freedom of expression and assembly.
Nik Nazmi was charged at the Petaling Jaya sessions court before judge Rozina Ayob and has been released without bail. The offence under Section 9(1) of the PAA carries a fine up to RM10,000 upon conviction, and Nik Nazmi could be disqualified as an elected representative if the fine exceeds RM2,000.

SUARAM is against the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA) as it curtails the fundamental freedom of assembly enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. The right to freedom of assembly is an intrinsic part of the right to freedom of expression which is guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international laws and standards.The Peaceful Assembly Act imposes a 10-day advance notice to authorities prior to holding an assembly. This is an onerous and unnecessary requirement intended to make it as difficult as possible for the people to convene any assembly.

In fact, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Assembly, Mr Maina Kiai in his report to the Human Rights Council in May 2012 has clearly stated that;

“Should the organizers fail to notify the authorities, the assembly should not be dissolved automatically and the organizers should not be subject to criminal sanctions, or administrative sanctions resulting in fines or imprisonment…[t]he Special Rapporteur holds as best practice legislation allowing the holding of spontaneous assemblies, which should be exempted from prior notification”
http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session20/A-HRC-20-27_en.pdf

SUARAM urge the charges against Nik Nazmi to be dropped immediately and unconditionally.

If Prime Minister Najib Razak is sincere about making meaningful political reforms, these reforms must be made in the spirit of protecting and promoting human rights rights and fundamental freedoms.

Released by,

Nalini Elumalai
Executive Director
SUARAM

Candlelight vigil for unity and harmony (FZ.Com)

tukangkebun — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:25:23 +0000

Candlelight vigil for unity and harmony

http://fz.com/content/candlelight-vigil-unity-and-harmony

Nation

by Chen Shaua Fui

FZ.COM/Shahrin Yahya

Lighting up for unity, peace and harmony.

KUALA LUMPUR(May 13): About 100 Malaysians turned up in a show of unity to reject racism tonight.

Holding candles and yellow flowers, they were participating in the candlelight vigil organised by seven civil society groups aimed at sending a strong message that racism has no place in Malaysia. See photos here

Coordinator of Malaysia for Beng Hock movement Ng Yap Hwa said that the candlelight vigil is to show that Malaysians from all walks of life disagreed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s attribution of the Barisan Nasional poor showing in the 13th general election to a “Chinese tsunami”.

“The people voted as citizens of Malaysia, the politician should not blame the Chinese or Indians if the result is not satisfactory,” Ng said.

Other groups who jointly organised this vigil are Suaram, Pusat Komas, Kill the Bill ,Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, Malaysian Indian Progressive Association (MIPAS), Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (women’s comittee).

Suaram executive director E Nalini said that the people gathered today to say no to racism.

“We must remember we are human beings. We must spread love. Not only the love of a boyfriend or girlfriend, but also to parents, brothers and sisters,” she said.

PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan, who was also present, said he respected those who gathered here tonight because 10 years ago, he was arrested when he participated in a gathering in May as the police then said it was “sensitive” due to the May 13 tragedy.

The crowd, who comprised mostly young people below 35 years old, have been gathering at the Dataran Puduraya since 8pm.

The “Member Inter-Bangsa Love Tour” was also there to perform music and invited the crown to join in the performance.

There were also poem-reciting session and singing by the participants.

There were about 20 policemen present, observing the event and the crowd.

The gathering ended with the singing of the national anthem “Negaraku”.

We expect total professionalism from police (FMT)

tukangkebun — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:11:37 +0000

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2013/05/06/we-expect-total-professionalism-from-police/

We expect total professionalism from police

May 6, 2013

There should be a new era of peace, security and trust between the police and the people after this historic 13th general election.

COMMENT

By Kua Kia Soong

Suaram expects the Malaysian police to conduct itself in the most professional manner following the outcome of the general election.

The Malaysian police has been trained and tested since the days of the Emergency which started in 1948. They have fought insurgents in the jungle as well as in the urban areas for more than thirty years.

The methods used by the Malaysian police have often been found to be excessive but they have proven that they can nip any altercation very swiftly when they want to.

This was exhibited during the Kesas Highway demonstration in 2000 when the police could break up a 100,000 people demonstration in minutes, albeit using brutal means.

Having said that, the Malaysian police have been found to be a tad tardy at various points in our history.

During the May 13 “riots” after the general election in 1969, the pogrom continued until July 1969 when the security forces only then truly demonstrated their professionalism.

Similarly, when ethnic Indians were the victims of racial violence at Kampung Medan in 2001, the thugs were allowed to go on the rampage from March 8 to 13 when it should have been nipped in the bud as soon as it happened since Kampung Medan is such a small enclave in Petaling Jaya.

The Malaysian Special Branch prides itself with being one of the best in this part of the world but at times, such as the violent disruption of the Asia Pacific Conference on East Timor on Nov 9, 1996, the police arrived one whole hour late, long after the mob had done its dirty work.

We hope that such lapses in the professionalism of the Malaysian police will not occur again if there should be a need to keep order folloiwing the results of the 13th general election.

We look forward to a new era of peace, security and trust between the police and the people after this historic 13th general election.

Salam berkhidmat.

Kua Kia Soong is the advisor to human rights watchdog Suaram

Cops haul up electoral reform activist for questioning (Malaysiakini)

tukangkebun — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:01:15 +0000

Cops haul up electoral reform activist for questioning

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/227332

VIDEO | 2.54 min

Electoral reform activist PY Wong was questioned by police today for an alleged offence related to his group Tindak Malaysia’s activities to train party workers to be polling, counting and barong agents (Pacaba) during the general election.

The NGO founder was questioned for over two hours at federal police HQ Bukit Aman from 9am.

He is being probed under Section 124(c) of the Penal Code for involvement in activities that disrupt parliamentary democracy or preparations for such.

He was accompanied by lawyers Farhana Halim and New Sin Yew.

It was reported in the media today that the probe is related to Tindak Malaysia’s workshops educating the voters on how to ensure secrecy of their ballot.

According to the NGO, voters at polling stations should demand a random ballot slip instead of the serialised one normally handed to them by the officer in charge.

Wong was quoted as expressing surprise that educating voters on their legal rights was an offence.

When met after Wong’s questioning was over at 11.30am, New said that he found police investigations into his client’s Pacaba training as “baffling”.

“It is as if (they are) saying that voter education is detrimental to parliamentary democracy.”

He believes that it fits a pattern of harassment by authorities as some of the questions asked to his client are similar to the ones that human rights NGO Suaram had been subjected to – including several questions into their funding.

He related that the investigations on Wong under Section 124 was based on a police report lodged in Changkat Jering on April 3, although they were not given details on who had lodged it, nor given any specifics on the matter.

Wong himself expressed disappointment with the way that the authorities are dealing with Tindak Malaysia.

‘Disagree through discussions’

He said that they have engaged with the EC and the parliamentary select committee (PSC) on electoral reforms about the Pacaba trainings.

He added that if they wanted to disagree with him, they could have done so through discussions and not by harassing Tindak Malaysia in this way.

A small group of supporters from Suaram and Tindak Malaysia had also turned up to show their support of Wong, mounting an impromptu protest outside Bukit Aman.

The police were watchful during the protest, but did not interfere.

Meanwhile, Suaram has condemned the investigations being done by the police, and are questioning the government’s motive in doing so.

They reminded that the police had asserted last week that the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) would not be abused in the 13th general election.

The human rights group also quoted New as saying that more individuals have apparently been probed in relation to the coming election, although their identities cannot be verified.

“This is seen as police intimidation towards electoral reform activists,” said the NGO in a statement today.

Suaram added that using Sosma against activists did not make sense, especially considering that PY Wong is just an activist who organises activities to educate the public on the upcoming general election.

“If the police fail to explain the motive behind their probe, then it confirms the public’s fears that Sosma will be abused during the general election,” it said.

According to Suaram, Section 124(c) has been amended to be read in conjunction with Sosma. Therefore, this changes the definition in the Penal Code to say that anyone who carries out activities that threaten parliamentary democracy or makes any preparations to such an end, is liable for punishment.

Meanwhile at a separate press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan has decried Wong’s questioning as a plot to undermine civil society groups – such as Tindak Malaysia and Bersih – ahead of the upcoming election.

‘Wong’s probe is a plot’

“The whole basis (of Wong’s questioning) is on the issue of randomising (ballot papers). Why did I say it is a plot? It all started with (former DAP national vice-chairperson) Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahimraising it, TV3 giving it extensive coverage, and everyone going on and on about how this is going to cause chaos at the elections.

“This is a build-up, in my view, for a final attack on Tindak Malaysia and Bersih,” she said.

Bersih steering committee member Maria Chin Abdullah (left in photo) added that an email has also been fraudulently circulated in her name, advocating for the randomisation of ballots, and that she will be lodging a police report over the matter.

Ambiga clarified that Bersih had never urged voters to randomise their votes.

Previously, she said, Tindak Malaysia had trained voters to ask clerks at polling centres to tear off a handful of ballots and allow the voters to pick one, hence ensuring that the ballot paper’s serial number could not be traced to individual voters.

However, Bersih raised objections against this as it would leave “loose ballots hanging around”, Tindak Malaysia has agreed to stop providing training on randomisation since October last year.

“Yet they are using this (issue) and they are bluffing. In this email (in Maria Chin’s name), you can see how far this plot goes.

“They are bluffing, they are making up stories, they are creating a situation of confusion so that action can be taken against Bersih as well as Tindak Malaysia,” she stressed.

Ambiga and Bersih steering committee member Andrew Khoo (right), both lawyers, also pointed out that it is not illegal to advocate for randomisation.

“The charge under Section 124(c) is for undermining parliamentary democracy by violent or unconstitutional means. Nobody is talking about violence or suggesting anything about violence.

“Even if we were to agree to randomisation – and I want to make it clear that we are not – is that unconstitutional? The answer is, ‘No’,” Khoo said.

Youth detained by police rushed to hospital next day (Malaysiakini)

tukangkebun — Tue, 14 May 2013 06:59:54 +0000

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/225601

Youth detained by police rushed to hospital next day

A 24 year-old youth sustained serious head injuries while he was held in custody at the Kulim district police headquarters on the night of March 29, his brother claimed today.

Badaruddin Mohd Tajuddin (left) said Kulim police failed to ensure the safety of his brother – Muhammad Kusyairi – when he was in their custody that night, before he was rushed to the hospital the next day.

Kusyairi was detained in Taman Selasih, Kulim, about 9.30pm on March 29 for suspected motorcycle theft and is currently being treated at the Penang Hospital.

According to the Kedah police, Kusyairi was beaten up by members of the public when caught trying to steal a motorcycle.

“Is is unfortunate that after he was arrested by police and was taken into their custody, the next day (March 30), he was rushed to the Penang Hospital from Kulim,” Badaruddin said after lodging a police report at the Northeast District police headquarters on Jalan Pattani in Penang.

“He sustained injuries on his head and is now in a state of coma.

“As his family, we want to know how Kusyairi suffered such grave injuries to his head and become unconscious only after he was put in the police lock-up,” he said.

Badaruddin urged the police to investigate the matter thoroughly, adding that the family demands to know his brother’s condition during the arrest and when he was in police custody.

Suaram coordinator Sean Ho, who was present, said it is the responsibility of the police to protect suspects they take into custody.

“If Kusyairi was beaten up as claimed, the police should have sent him to the hospital immediately,” Ho said.

Kusyairi’s family plans to hold another press conference on Thursday, at which they intend to release more information on the matter, upon confirming certain details.

Police deny allegations

Kedah police have strongly denied allegations that its officers had beaten Kusyairi while he was in custody.

State deputy police chief Abdul Ghafar Rajab said Kusyairi was in a “weak condition” and the force was not able to interrogate or question him.

He confirmed that the suspect – from Kupang, Kedah – was nabbed for alleged theft of a motorcycle “belonging to a 23 year old”.

The owner was shocked to see the suspect on his motorcycle and approached him with 30 others members of the public,” Bernamaquoted Abdul Ghafar as saying.

“They managed to nab him and then hit him until two policemen came to stop the scuffle.”

Abdul Ghafar said that since Kusyairi was very weak, he was sent to the Kulim Hospital about 11.20pm for treatment.

Since Kusyairi was in critical condition, he had to be rushed to the Penang Hospital where he is in a coma.

“The suspect will be charged under Section 379A Penal Code with motorcycle theft and investigation papers are being prepared to probe those who allegedly beat him up, under Section 324 for causing injuries to the suspect,” he said.

He reminded the public that it is not wrong to help nab a suspect but that they must not go beyond the limit, as it could lead to their own arrest.

However, Abdul Ghafar said none of those involved have been arrested or asked to give a statement.

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Cops haul up electoral reform activist for questioning (Malaysiakini)

Youth detained by police rushed to hospital next day (Malaysiakini)