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Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) wishes to draw attention, particularly that of the Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to the case of a young Malaysian national, Hemakavin a/l Karthigesu, who is currently imprisoned in Cambodia. Hemakavin, who was 19 years old at the time of his arrest, was a victim of a drug syndicate. This incident took place in 2016, when Hemakavin was offered free flight tickets to Cambodia for a holiday by his girlfriend. He was told that her sister and her boyfriend would also be joining them. On the day of departure, Hemakavin was informed by his girlfriend that he would have to leave for Cambodia on his own first, due to technical issues with their tickets. She promised, however, that they would meet him there later. Upon arriving in Cambodia, Hemakavin was contacted by a stranger who introduced himself as his girlfriend’s friend. Hemakavin was asked to go to a hotel room on his own to rest first and help check if his girlfriend’s belongings were in the room. As soon as Hemakavin entered the hotel room, he was arrested and handcuffed by the Cambodian anti-narcotics police officers. Hemakavin and another Malaysian national were charged with drug trafficking. The Cambodian police officers instructed Hemakavin to hold a metal box for a photo of him to be taken. He was then accused and tried in court, with his fingerprint on the metal box presented as court evidence. Based on this evidence, Hemakavin was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years in prison and a fine of 40 million riel (approximately RM45,000). Hemakavin’s appeal at the Cambodian Court of Appeal was also dismissed. Hemakavin’s family members have taken various measures to help him, including: a. Lodging a police report; b. Lodging complaints to two agencies, namely the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), regarding the exploitation of young people as drug mules by the drug syndicate; c. Seeking the help of Members of Parliament to raise this issue in the Dewan Rakyat; d. Seeking the assistance of the Malaysian Attorney-General's Chambers to contact the Cambodian Attorney General for a review of Hemakavin's case due to miscarriage of justice; e. Seeking government assistance, particularly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, appeal for clemency on behalf of Hemakavin via bilateral diplomatic avenues. Despite tireless efforts at all aforementioned fronts, Hemakavin's pursuit of justice remains elusive. SUARAM urges the Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to review Hemakavin a/l Karthigesu's case and to take steps to ensuring that Hemakavin is brought home. One such step that we hope to see the Prime Minister implement is to raise this issue with the Cambodian government and to discuss possible solutions with them during his official visit to Cambodia at the end of March 2023. On behalf of Hemakavin a/l Karthigesu’s family, SUARAM demands that the Malaysian government to employ all bilateral diplomatic avenues available to bring about justice for Hemakavin, specifically in two ways: i. Appeal for Royal Pardon for Hemakavin that will either reduce his prison sentence or secure his full release; ii. Reach an agreement with the Cambodian Government to bring Hemakavin home via an International Prisoner Transfer Programme. This year marks Hemakavin's seventh year of imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. Justice delayed is justice denied. Hemakavin was unfairly tried and convicted with falsified evidence. We believe it is time for the new government to take notice of this case. Justice must be served for Hemakavin and for all those who have fallen victim to drug trafficking. Save Hemakavin. Bring Hemakavin back to Malaysia! Sign the petition here: https://chng.it/qVXCPKw8X2

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) applauds the swift responsibility taken by the Home Minister on the unfortunate March 5 incident involving the wrongful communication of the supposed death of the detainee to his family. The initiative to personally reimburse the funeral expenses borne by the family within 48 hours is a gesture of concern that must be recognised. The Minister’s acknowledgement that there were elements of negligence involved and notification that a committee will be set up to investigate further also demonstrate the Home Ministry’s commitment towards accountable governance. To ensure that this commitment comes full circle, it is crucial that the Home Ministry provides regular and transparent updates on the committee’s investigation findings, specifically any gaps found in the prison’s identification process and its implementation, as well as corresponding recommendations. Any recommendations by the committee should be swiftly followed by responsive action by the relevant stakeholders (e.g., Home Ministry, Prisons Department) to ensure that such an egregious oversight does not happen again. SUARAM also calls on the Attorney-General’s Chambers to direct the magistrate/coroner to hold an inquiry or inquest into the cause of death of the detainee as mandated in sections 334 and 339 of the Criminal Procedure Code without undue delay. The inquiry should be carried out transparently and impartially. The inquiry can insightfully inform not only the government’s understanding of underlying factors that perpetuate deaths in custody, but also the policies and interventions that should be developed or improved on. It can also build public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system, as the inquiry sends a message that the government is committed to protecting the rights and ensuring justice for all, including the most marginalised groups such as victims of deaths in custody. SUARAM will continue to closely monitor developments of this case, and we stand ready to provide our full and unequivocal support to the families of both detainees whenever needed. Image Credits: Bernama

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) is deeply concerned with the increasing number of custodial deaths in Malaysia. According to the parliamentary reply from Ministry of Home Affairs to Member of Parliament Raub - Chow Yu Hui, the number of cases in 2022 consisted of a staggering 170, which was 3.5 times higher than those in 2021 (i.e. 48). It is deeply disturbing to hear those seven out of the 170 cases involved children. In other words, one person dies in custody every two days. One of the most critical steps that the government can take is to increase transparency in revealing information related to custodial deaths. Currently, the sole mechanism through which the public can obtain such information is through the government’s responses to corresponding questions by members of Parliament (MP) in the house. While we acknowledge and appreciate MP Raub for raising this important issue at Dewan Rakyat, however this method entails limitations in obtaining comprehensive information, due to factors such as the interest of the MP concerned in the issue, the 40-word count to parliamentary questions that limit or hamper requests for data on more specific parameters etc. This lack of transparency perpetuates a culture of secrecy, and it hinders the public's ability to hold the authorities accountable for their actions. Thus, SUARAM calls on the government to make all relevant data and information readily available and accessible to the public. Aside from demographic characteristics such as gender and age, other important parameters should include the cause of death (including whether it is due to negligence by authorities, health reasons or others), as well as the status of investigations and inquest proceedings. Multiple causes underlie custodial death cases, with most cases arising from health-related or medical reasons. Statistics by the Royal Malaysian Police from years 2000 to 2014 showed that such cases constituted 85.1% of all cases. In 2021 alone, media monitoring efforts by SUARAM documented the proportion to be more than 50% of cases. Lock-up conditions in prisons and detention facilities are poor, and examples include overcrowding, poor ventilation systems, unhygienic toilets, and cell areas. This not only increases the vulnerability of all detainees and enforcement officers to the contraction and transmission of diseases especially those that are air-borne, but also exacerbates health conditions of detainees who are already in poor health (be it knowingly or unknowingly) upon entry to detention facilities. Therefore, SUARAM urges the government to increase the allocation in upcoming Budget 2023 to improve the lockup conditions and prevent future instances of custodial deaths. It is also essential that the authorities adhere to Rule 10 of the Lock-Up Rules 1953 and international standards such as the Nelson Mandela Rules to provide adequate medical care and attention all detainees. To strengthen compliance with the aforementioned legislation and international standards, the Prisons Department and Ministry of Home Affairs can work with the Ministry of Health in establishing and implementing procedures of routine medical care provision in prison and detention facilities to detainees who have medical conditions. In addition, the government should explore alternative approaches to reduce detention centres occupancy, such as improving the investigating capacities of police officers to reduce the likelihood of abusing detention without trial laws or chain remand, and working with government agencies such as the national anti-drugs agency to implement drug rehabilitation programs to reduce drug-related offenses. By taking these measures, we can work towards building a more just and humane criminal justice system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their legal status. Quoting Nelson Mandela, no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails, and that a nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones. To truly uphold the vision of Malaysia Madani, and specifically two of its core values of respect and compassion, Kerajaan Perpaduan has the obligation to take active measures to address the issues of poor lockup conditions and lack of medical attention in these facilities, while increase transparency in disclosing information related to custodial deaths to regain the public's trust in law enforcement agencies – that they will be fair and just, as well as respect the basic dignity and rights of all regardless of background and circumstance.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) menyeru Menteri Dalam Negeri (KDN) Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution untuk segera menyemak semula SOSMA (Akta Kesalahan Keselamatan (LangkahLangkah Khas). Perkara yang harus diketahui oleh Menteri Dalam Negeri adalah: 1. SOSMA masih membenarkan penahanan tanpa bicara iaitu penahan di bawah kuasa polis selama 28 hari tanpa melalui proses mahkamah atau campur tangan majistret. 2. Orang Kena Tahan (OKT) dinafikan hak dan akses kepada peguam dan ahli keluarga pada 48 jam pertama dan selepas itu hak OKT masih bergantung kepada budi bicara pihak polis. 3. Peruntukan tersebut juga meningkatkan risiko OKT diseksa dan membuat pengakuan paksa tanpa pengawasan daripada pihak mahkamah atau majistret. 4. Di bawah SOSMA, badan kehakiman tidak mempunyai kuasa budi bicara malah sebaliknya, pihak pendakwa raya yang memegang kuasa mutlak untuk menentukan sama ada seseorang itu diberikan peluang untuk diikat jamin atau tidak. Dalam hal ini, kebanyakan kes tidak diberikan jaminan. 5. Antara kes SOSMA yang dipantau SUARAM, terdapat individu yang ditahan melebihi 5 tahun sehingga perbicaraan tamat dan dihukum. Dasar 'tiada ikat jamin' ini bukan sahaja melanggar hak tahanan untuk perbicaraan yang adil, tetapi seolah-olah individu tersebut telah diisytiharkan bersalah sebelum mahkamah. 6. SOSMA juga membenarkan ‘saksi yang dilindungi’ merahsi akan identiti mereka daripada tertuduh dan peguam bela semasa memberikan keterangan. Hal ini menyukarkan tertuduh untuk mencabar kredibiliti saksi dan sukar untuk membuat pembelaan yang mencukupi bagi pertuduhan. 7. Di bawah SOSMA, “apa-apa pernyataan oleh seseorang tertuduh sama ada secara lisan atau bertulis kepada mana-mana orang pada bila-bila masa” hendaklah boleh diterima sebagai keterangan, tanpa mengira ia adalah pengakuan paksa atau sebaliknya. Kami ingin menggesa agar beliau juga mendengar pandangan para pemegang taruh termasuk kumpulan masyarakat sivil sebelum memberi sebarang kesimpulan terutamanya dalam isu hak asasi manusia. SUARAM meminta kerajaan baru untuk MORATORIUM penggunaan SOSMA sehingga keputusan kajian semula atau pemansuhan dilaksanakan. SOSMA membelakangi prinsip setiap orang yang tertuduh bagi mana-mana jenayah dianggap tidak bersalah sehingga dia terbukti bersalah (presumption of innocence) kerana ia menghukum dahulu atau jamin ditolak dan dipenjara sehingga selesai proses mahkamah. Kerajaan baru harus tolak konsep hukum dahulu bicara kemudian. Akhir sekali, kami menyeru agar kerajaan baharu yang ditubuhkan atas nama reformasi perlu mengambil langkah segera dalam penilaian semula dan kerja pemansuhan SOSMA serta undangundang drakonian yang lain.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) tidak bersetuju dengan kenyataan Ketua Polis Negara Tan Sri Acryl Sani yang dilaporkan oleh Malaysiakini pada 4 Februari 2023 bahawa kelonggaran etika berpakaian di balai polis hanya dibenarkan dalam kes kecemasan dan terhad kepada situasi "hidup dan mati". Kami ingin mempersoalkan bagaimana pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) boleh menentukan penilaian sebegini dan menetap sama ada kes tersebut bersifat “hidup dan mati”? Sepatutnya isu ini tidak wujud kerana tanggungjawab polis adalah untuk menerima setiap laporan yang dibuat oleh mana-mana pihak tanpa syarat termasuk golongan yang ingin membuat laporan polis tetapi pemakaian mereka tidak memenuhi kriteria. Ini bukan kali pertama isu pemakaian dibangkitkan ketika orang awam ingin mengakses kepada perkhidmatan polis. Seorang mangsa gangguan seksual yang memakai ‘cosplay’ telah dimalukan dan disalahkan oleh pegawai polis kerana berpakaian sedemikian. Tindakan ini membangkitkan beberapa persoalan dasar perkhidmatan unit penguatkuasaan termasuk penafian hak untuk membuat aduan dengan alasan pemakaian tidak bersesuaian, melambatkan proses penyiasatan dan melambatkan keadilan. Moto PDRM amat jelas, iaitu tegas, adil dan berhemah, maka pihak polis sepatutnya bersikap adil dan tegas ketika melaksanakan setiap tugas dan tanggungjawab. Pihak polis tidak boleh menggunakan sebarang alasan terutamanya alasan pemakaian tidak bersesuaian bagi menghalang mana-mana pihak daripada membuat laporan polis. SUARAM berpendapat bahawa pengadu yang hadir ke balai polis dan membuat laporan adalah golongan yang memerlukan bantuan atau pelindungan serta-merta. Tindakan polis yang menghalang individu masuk ke balai polis atas alasan pemakaian tidak bersesuaian bukan sahaja mencabuli hak asasi rakyat Malaysia, malah melanggar prinsip kesamarataan di Perkara 8(1) Perlembagaan Persekutuan Malaysia, iaitu ‘semua orang adalah sama rata di sisi undang-undang dan berhak mendapat perlindungan yang sama rata di sisi undang-undang’. PDRM perlu meletakkan keutamaan dalam menerima laporan, membuat siasatan dan menghantar laporan siasatan kepada Pendakwa Raya tanpa membuat sebarang pengadilan berdasarkan penampilan dan pemakaian pengadu. PDRM tidak harus menjadi entiti yang merangsang kepolisan moral dan diskriminasi terhadap pemakaian pengadu atau mangsa. SUARAM mengingatkan kerajaan baharu untuk mengekalkan pendirian dan mengeluarkan satu notis rasmi seperti apa yang Menteri Undang-undang dan Reformasi Institusi, Dato' Sri Azalina Othman berkata dalam jawapan bertulis di Parlimen pada tahun 2015, iaitu tiada kod pakaian untuk orang ramai ketika berurusan dengan jabatan dan agensi kerajaan. Dasar ini perlu dijelaskan kepada semua kakitangan dalam sektor awam termasuk PDRM tanpa mengira pangkat.

serta sistem akauntabiliti salah laku Polis Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) mengambil serius mengenai dakwaan terhadap seorang inspektor polis yang merogol seorang mangsa dan menggesa agar penggantungan kerja inspektor tersebut perlu dijalankan dengan serta-merta sehingga satu penyiasatan yang bebas dilaksanakan. Polis yang sepatutnya menjadi pelindung kepada masyarakat telah mengancam keselamatan individu. Kami melihat perbuatan rogol ini satu jenayah yang serius. SUARAM meminta agar satu siasatan terhadap inspektor polis itu dilaksanakan secara telus dan terbuka. Pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) harus sentiasa kemas kini perkembangan siasatan serta mengumumkan tindakan susulan yang diambil. Perkara ini tidak boleh hanya tertakluk kepada tindakan tatatertib sahaja tetapi inspektor yang didakwa terlibat dalam kes rogol ini harus dituduh di mahkamah. SUARAM juga mempersoalkan prosedur operasi standard (SOP) PDRM ketika mengendalikan kes berkaitan dengan rogol dan gangguan seksual. Memandangkan Akta Antigangguan Seksual telah diwartakan, PDRM harus meneliti semula dan memperhalusi SOP yang lebih sensitif kepada gender, malah memberi latihan profesional kepada pegawai-pegawai penyiasat berkenaan. SUARAM mengingatkan pihak umum bahawa ini bukan kali pertama pihak media membongkarkan kes rogol atau gangguan seksual yang dilakukan oleh pegawai polis. Kami khuatir kes sebegini tetap berulang kerana budaya bebas daripada sebarang hukuman. Kes rogol ini adalah antara kes yang memerlukan Suruhanjaya Bebas Aduan dan Salah Laku Polis (IPCMC) yang diperjuangkan oleh kumpulan masyarakat sivil (civil society organisation - CSO). Namun dalam konteks Suruhanjaya Bebas Tatakelakuan Polis (IPCC) yang sedia ada, ia tidak mempunyai kuasa menyiasat dan penguatkuasaan yang setimpalnya. Sebarang keputusan siasatan oleh IPCC hanya dirujuk kepada Suruhanjaya Pasukan Polis (SPP) akan tetapi SPP tidak mempunyai kewajipan untuk melaksanakan cadangan tersebut ataupun melapor balik kepada IPCC. SUARAM menyeru agar kerajaan baharu mengadakan satu mesyuarat libat urus bersama pihak CSO untuk kaji semula Akta IPCC yang sedia ada, sama ada menggantikannya dengan IPCMC atau memasukkan elemen-elemen seperti suruhanjaya yang bebas serta mempunyai kuasa menyiasat dan penguatkuasaan ke dalam IPCC. SUARAM memandang serius terhadap salah laku inspektor polis tersebut. Kami menekankan bahawa keadilan kepada mangsa hanya boleh ditegakkan melalui tindakan yang tegas dan telus terhadap inspektor tersebut. Sistem akautabiliti polis pula perlu dikukuhkan dengan segera bagi memulihkan kepercayaan umum terhadap pihak polis.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) kecewa dengan kenyataan Menteri Dalam Negeri (KDN) Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bahawa pihak beliau tidak berniat untuk menyemak semula SOSMA (Akta Kesalahan Keselamatan (Langkah-Langkah Khas). Beliau hanya memberi retorik lama untuk kewujudan undang-undang zalim tersebut. Kenyataan Menteri KDN juga bercanggah dengan pendirian Pakatan Harapan yang pernah menolak usul pelanjutan tempoh pelaksanaan subseksyen 4(5) SOSMA di Dewan Rakyat pada Mac dan Julai 2022 yang lalu. Perkara yang harus diketahui oleh Menteri Dalam Negeri adalah: 1. SOSMA masih membenarkan penahanan tanpa bicara iaitu penahan di bawah kuasa polis selama 28 hari tanpa melalui proses mahkamah atau campur tangan majistret. 2. Orang Kena Tahan (OKT) dinafikan hak dan akses kepada peguam dan ahli keluarga pada 48 jam pertama dan selepas itu hak OKT masih bergantung kepada budi bicara pihak polis. 3. Peruntukan tersebut juga meningkatkan risiko OKT diseksa dan membuat pengakuan paksa tanpa pengawasan daripada pihak mahkamah atau majistret. 4. Di bawah SOSMA, badan kehakiman tidak mempunyai kuasa budi bicara malah sebaliknya, pihak pendakwa raya yang memegang kuasa mutlak untuk menentukan sama ada seseorang itu diberikan peluang untuk diikat jamin atau tidak. Dalam hal ini, kebanyakan kes tidak diberikan jaminan. 5. Antara kes SOSMA yang dipantau SUARAM, terdapat individu yang ditahan melebihi 5 tahun sehingga perbicaraan tamat dan dihukum. Dasar 'tiada ikat jamin' ini bukan sahaja melanggar hak tahanan untuk perbicaraan yang adil, tetapi seolah-olah individu tersebut telah diisytiharkan bersalah sebelum mahkamah. 6. SOSMA juga membenarkan ‘saksi yang dilindungi’ merahsiakan identiti mereka daripada tertuduh dan peguam bela semasa memberikan keterangan. Hal ini menyukarkan tertuduh untuk mencabar kredibiliti saksi dan sukar untuk membuat pembelaan yang mencukupi bagi pertuduhan. 7. Di bawah SOSMA, “apa-apa pernyataan oleh seseorang tertuduh sama ada secara lisan atau bertulis kepada mana-mana orang pada bila-bila masa” hendaklah boleh diterima sebagai keterangan, tanpa mengira ia adalah pengakuan paksa atau sebaliknya. Oleh hal yang demikian, kami ingin menegaskan bahawa kenyataan YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin mengenai peruntukan SOSMA adalah tidak tepat sedangkan ianya jelas melanggar prinsip perbicaraan yang adil di bawah Perlembagaan Malaysia dan piawaian antarabangsa. Kami memahami YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin merupakan menteri yang baru dilantik, malah memerlukan masa untuk mendengar taklimat dan memahami perkara-perkara berkaitan dengan Kementerian beliau. Namun, kami ingin menggesa agar beliau juga mendengar pandangan para pemegang taruh termasuk kumpulan masyarakat sivil sebelum memberi sebarang kesimpulan terutamanya dalam isu hak asasi manusia. Akhir sekali, kami menyeru agar kerajaan baharu yang ditubuhkan atas nama reformasi perlu mengambil langkah segera dalam penilian semula dan kerja pemansuhan SOSMA serta undang-undang drakonian yang lain.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) congratulates and thanks the Rakyat of Malaysia for the peaceful and participative 15th General Elections (GE15) and change of government last week. The kind understanding, respect for democracy, solidarity, and patience of the Rakyat during these trying times are a symbol of our unity and multicultural harmony. Additionally, SUARAM congratulates all the elected representatives chosen by the Rakyat and the coalitions who have set aside their differences to collaborate and serve the nation under the leadership of the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Haji Anwar bin Ibrahim. We hope the Reformasi struggle of nearly a quarter of century will be realised by the unity government without any delays, excuses and U-turns as seen previously, for the benefit of all citizens of our beloved country. SUARAM and civil society has been following and supporting this struggle from the ground since the days of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the miscarriages of justice that were experienced by many members of the government today. We hope the promises made to build a better, safer, and more equitable Malaysia will be fulfilled starting with the following: 1. Abolishment of draconian laws that enable punishment without going through judicial processes i.e., Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) and Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA). 2. Replace the IPCC with the IPCMC in its original form, improve police accountability and establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry on torture and deaths in custody. 3. Under the umbrella of freedom of expression, repeal the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA), amend, and limit the use of the Official Secrets Act 1972 (OSA), repeal section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) and the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPP). 4. Identifies, recognizes, and legitimise the key role of human rights defenders as individuals or groups who act to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms through peaceful means. It is high time that Malaysia steps out of the dark ages and into the era of matured politics, people-centric approach, and good governance. A formidable majority in parliament is a mandate to be utilised for the good of the people, not an excuse to silence critics. Remember, the Rakyat are the boss, and we are watching your every move! Hidup Rakyat!

SUARAM BANTAH PENAHANAN TANPA BICARA DAN MENUNTUT INKUES MANDATORI TERHADAP KEMATIAN DALAM TAHANAN SUARAM berasa amat kesal dan bimbang terhadap kes kematian dalam tahanan ke-20 yang diumumkan oleh Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) pada tahun ini.* Kami bantah sekeras-kerasnya terhadap undang-undang penahanan tanpa bicara serta mempersoalkan ketelusan dan keterbukaan dalam siasatan kes kematian dalam tahanan selama ini. Langkah-Langkah Pencegahan Khas (LLPK) membenarkan penahanan tanpa bicara selama 60 hari. Ia bukan sahaja mendedahkan tahanan-tahanan kepada risiko penderaan, salah laku atau kecuaian oleh pegawai berkenaan, malah tahanan-tahanan tidak mempunyai platform untuk mengadu atau memaklumkan keadaan kesihatan mereka yang tidak sesuai untuk duduk di dalam lokap. Walaupun Unit Siasatan Jenayah Kematian dalam Tahanan (USJKT) ditubuhkan pada awal tahun, tetapi tiada penambahbaikan mengenai isu ini. Kami memahami masa diperlukan untuk siasatan polis dalam kes-kes kematian dalam tahanan sebegini. Walau bagaimanapun, masa yang diambil adalah terlalu lama. Suku pertama tahun 2022, kita mendapati ada 14 kes kematian dalam tahanan. Namun, setelah enam bulan berlalu, USJKT masih gagal memberi sebarang maklumat mengenai perkembangan siasatan kes-kes berkenaan. Nama dan butiran-butiran mangsa, hasil laporan bedah siasat, keadaan kesihatan fizikal dan mental mangsa sebelum masuk lokap, status dan perkembangan siasatan semasa masih tidak diketahui. Ia seolah-olah percubaan pihak PDRM untuk memadamkan identiti mangsa dan depersonalisasi mereka, malah melayan mangsa-mangsa ini seperti angka dalam statistik sahaja. Tiada sesiapa kecuali PDRM sendiri yang tahu cara operasi atau prosedur PDRM dan USJKT dalam siasatan dan pengendalian kematian dalam tahanan. USJKT gagal memberi keyakinan kepada masyarakat bahawa siasatan mereka adalah bebas, tidak menerima tekanan atau campur tangan daripada pihak atasan. Pihak masyarakat sivil telah berkali-kali menghantar surat dan memorandum kepada Bukit Aman untuk mengaturkan satu mesyuarat bersama Pengarah JIPS sejak Februari 2022. Namun, pihak kami hanya diberitahu untuk menunggu e-mel mengenai perkembangaan pengaturan mesyuarat dan tiada perkembangan selepas itu. Hal ini bercanggah dengan nilai keterbukaan dan ketelusan yang selalu disebut oleh PDRM dalam pengendalian kes kematian dalam tahanan. Selain itu, kami juga berasa amat terkejut dengan fakta di mana hanya satu kes dituduh di mahkamah dan hanya satu kes yang dirujukkan kepada koroner untuk prosiding inkues setakat ini sedangkan Seksyen 334 Kanun Tatacara Jenayah dengan jelas menetapkan kewajipan menjalankan prosiding inkues bagi semua kematian yang berlaku dalam tahanan polis. Kami ingin menegaskan pendirian kami bahawa inkues mandatori perlu dijalankan dengan segera bagi semua kematian dalam tahanan bagi mengelakkan pengubahan bukti dan pemalsuan tempat kejadian jenayah. Ia adalah cara yang paling sesuai dan berkesan di sisi undang-undang untuk mencari kebenaran serta menentukan punca kematian sama ada ia melibatkan unsur jenayah, kecuaian atau faktor kesihatan. Siasatan terhadap kes-kes berkenaan perlu dilaksanakan oleh pihak ketiga ataupun badan luar yang bebas dan bukannya oleh PDRM bagi menggelakkan sebarang campur tangan dan konflik kepentingan. Kami berpendapat bahawa tiba masanya Suruhanjaya Bebas Tatakelakuan Polis (IPCC) yang baru diluluskan oleh Dewan Rakyat untuk mengambil alih siasatan kes-kes kematian dalam tahanan polis bagi menentusahkan sama ada institusi ini dapat memelihara keberkesanan, kebebasan dan kesaksamaannya dalam perkara ini. Keadilan yang dilenggahkan adalah keadilan yang dinafikan. PDRM perlu menjadi lebih telus dan terbuka dalam pengurusan kematian dalam tahanan, sentiasa mengemas kini status dan perkembangan siasatan untuk memastikan ahli keluarga dan pihak umum memahami usaha-usaha PDRM. *https://www.facebook.com/100064506887551/posts/458643082962584/

To Arbitrary Abduction, Disappearance and Police Indifference The 30th of August is the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. On this day, Citizens Against Enforced Disappearances (CAGED) and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) remind the government that the perpetrators of the crime of enforced disappearance conducted against Amri Che Mat, Raymond Koh, Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu remain unidentified and what happened to the foursome remains veiled in secrecy. The crime of enforced disappearance is defined under Article 2 of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance as “the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State.” Three exhaustive investigations by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) have resoundingly concluded that Amri, Raymond, Joshua and Ruth are victims of the crime of enforced disappearance. SUHAKAM announced its conclusions in April 2019 (Raymond and Amri) and in April 2022 (Joshua and Ruth). Responding to public clamour, in May 2019, the previous government established a 7-member taskforce. According to news reports, the taskforce submitted its report to the government at the end of February 2019. Also according to news reports, the government has sealed the report “in the interest of national security” - presumably because it contains evidence of unsavoury aspects of policing in Malaysia. The victims’ families are being denied knowledge of the truth about what happened to their loved ones. They have no closure. They are suspended in a state of unknowing. The struggle of the families for justice has been long and arduous, with much involvement of civil society. Public clamour caused SUHAKAM to mount its investigations. Public clamour caused the government to form the special taskforce. Public clamour continues with outrage that the report of the taskforce has not led to, and is not leading to reforms and prosecutions. There is also mounting public clamour over the fact that more than four months after SUHAKAM published its findings in the case of Joshua and Ruth, neither the police nor the government have uttered even a squeak about what they will do in response. The International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances falls on the day before Malaysia’s national independence day. The 31st August is meant to serve as an annual day of rejoicing over the gaining of autonomy and freedom from British rule. However, the eve of the 31st is now an annual day of weeping over the implicit acceptance by the government of Malaysia that enforced disappearance is not a crime. The family and friends of the victims are forced to experience the mental anguish of not knowing whether their loved one is still alive and to suffer continuous, throbbing anxiety over the whereabouts and physical and mental condition of their loved ones. The concept of Keluarga Malaysia which the Prime Minister is promoting is but a sham for as long as the perpetrators of these serious crimes are not held accountable and the government fails to uphold the right to truth, justice, reparations and reforms. We urge the government to release the findings of the task force report. We also urge the government to develop and publish an action plan, with scheduled dates to publicly inform the public about progress in implementing the recommendations of SUHAKAM and of the taskforce. The plan should include steps to: Establish institutional and standard operating measures for investigating missing persons, abductions and disappearances Implement reviews and actions to assure all authorities respect the right of freedom of religion of every person under Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution Begin the process of ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICCPED). On this important day, CAGED and SUARAM reiterate our commitment to stand in solidarity with victims and the families of enforced disappearances and to continue our campaigns and advocacy to eliminate all forms of enforced disappearance in Malaysia.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) is concerned with the called for investigation and subsequent charges laid against Youth Chief of AMANAH, Hasbie Muda, International Islamic University Malaysia Student Union’s president, Aliff Naif and finally the PKR’s Youth Chief for Batu, Lestari Yahya. The charges under the Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act laid against the 3 individuals were pertaining to the peaceful protest over rising prices held on 23rd July 2022 even though it was held peacefully and monitored by the police. Therefore, the charges laid are an assault to the right of peaceful assembly as enshrined under Article 10 of the Federal Constition. While the recent amendment in 2019 has tried to address the shortcomings of the act; the act, having been amended, are still susceptible to abuse where countless of activists including those from SUARAM were harassed by police investigations whenever a public assembly is called. According to SUARAM’s documentation, there have been no recent charges under Section 9 Notification of assembly under the said act for the year 2020 and 2021. Yet, most assemblies happened during the pandemic era have been conducted in a civil and peaceful manner. Therefore, SUARAM questioned the necessity of these charges and given that the timing of these charges also coincide with the date of an impending general election, SUARAM does wonder whether these charges are applied for political expediency. The charges are only possible in the first place because of the feeble amendments to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 in the 2019 during the Pakatan Harapan regime. The act in its present form fails to address long-standing criticism from the civil society; therefore it still remains as a harassment tool subject to abuse from the state. For instance, the recent amendment has shortened the 10 days’ notice to 5 days. While this is an improvement, it does not address the fundamental issue with the 10 days’ notice and the room for spontaneous assemblies. Public rallies are often spontaneous and reacting to current events and it may be impossible or unfeasible for a 5 days’ notice. A notice period is acceptable for pre-planned rallies and gatherings as organisers would have ample time to coordinate themselves and liaise with the police. However, additional provisions must be made available for rallies of spontaneous nature such as the protest of rising prices recently. The curtailment of the right to peaceful assembly in Malaysia certainly does not bode well with the fact that Malaysia remains as a member to the United Nations Human Rights Council. This is all the more concerning when the same Human Rights Council in the recent 50th session had called for the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests. It is imperative that the government should walk the talk by realizing its commitment that they are promising internationally. Therefore, SUARAM calls on the government to retract the charges laid against Lestari Yahya, Aliff Naif and Hasbie Muda and to amend the Peaceful Assembly Act to ensure it is an act that truly facilitates assembly rather than a political tool to stifle dissent.

[Press Statement] Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) is aware of the recent posting made by Miss Sydney Yap Xi Ni’s Facebook post regarding the working condition as a journalist in BERNAMA and the latter’s impending legal action against Miss Yap for defamation. SUARAM is concern the legal action would create a chilling effect in the whole reporting scene and media environment which may do further damage to the already backsliding free press in Malaysia. SUARAM, therefore, urge BERNAMA to retract all legal actions against Miss Yap and instead focus its attention to address the issues that have been raised by Miss Yap. Some of the issues that Miss Yap has raised in her Facebook post includes the welfare of news reporters, wage cuts, downsizing of the news programme, staff shortages and a bureaucratic hiring process. From a labour point of view, we believe that these are entirely appropriate and legitimate issues to be raised pertaining to worker rights especially when previous effort by Miss Yap to reach out to the President of Bernama, Senator Ras Adiba, was ignored. Furthermore, Miss Yap’s posting has also indicated that she will not be continue working in the media industry, and thus she is merely sharing her personal work experience and comment about the deteriorating media industry in Malaysia. It is common knowledge that working as a reporter and journalist in Malaysia is challenging and has proven to be no easy task. Malaysia’s press freedom performance is still only rank 119 among 180 countries according to Reporters Without Borders. Aside from working in an environment where press freedom is not guaranteed, the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent economic downturn has also pushed the media industry into more perilous state where the welfare of reporters are regularly being cut or not prioritized. It is also time Malaysians must recognise the importance of journalists and reporters where they have been performing the duty of the watchdog to those that wields significant political power. A healthy and independent media industry would effectively allow the public to make informed decisions, hold leader accountable and ensure a diversity of opinions and information. It is with that we hope that the media would continue to listen to the voice of fellow journalists and reporters for they are the one working on the ground and reporting on news to the wider public. SUARAM stands in solidarity with Miss Sydney Yap Xi Ni and once again, urged BERNAMA to retract all legal actions against its departing worker.