Stop harassing youths, activists, the media – MPs

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 – Several members of the Malaysian Parliament today called on the government to look into the unreasonable detainment and questioning of medical officers, activists and press members in the recent weeks, most of it done in the wee hours of the night.

A total of 31 activists had been investigated with regards to their involvement in the Black Flag Convoy this past week and another three have been called in for questioning this afternoon at the Dang Wangi Police Station here, said MP for Petaling Jaya, Maria Chin Abdullah at a press conference held on the sidelines of the Dewan Rakyat special sitting here today.

The three today will be investigated under, among others, Section 505 B of the Penal Code on their involvement in an upcoming protest this Saturday, July 31st at the Dataran Merdeka as well as under the 233 CMA for abusing telecommunication service . They are said to have issued worrying statements on a protest that would cause discord and create disharmony among the public.

The activists include Muhamad Mat from Suaram, and one activist from Undi 18 and another activist Hafiq.

Others who have been questioned include contract doctors. Although this is said to have been stopped with the assurance given by the Health Minister in the Dewan Rakyat, there have been allegations that some doctors were questioned late in the night.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 – Several members of the Malaysian Parliament today called on the government to look into the unreasonable detainment and questioning of medical officers, activists and press members in the recent weeks, most of it done in the wee hours of the night.

A total of 31 activists had been investigated with regards to their involvement in the Black Flag Convoy this past week and another three have been called in for questioning this afternoon at the Dang Wangi Police Station here, said MP for Petaling Jaya, Maria Chin Abdullah said at a press conference held on the sidelines of the Dewan Rakyat special sitting here today.

The three today will be investigated under, among others, Section 505 B of the Penal Code on their involvement in an upcoming protest this Saturday, July 31st at the Dataran Merdeka as well as under the 233 CMA for abusing telecommunication service . They are said to have issued worrying statements on a protest that would cause discord and create disharmony among the public.

The activists include Muhamad Mat from Suaram, and one activist from Undi 18 and another activist Hafiq, she said, reading out a joint press statement from the MPs namely Sivarasa Rasiah (Sungai Buloh), Teresa Kok (Seputeh), Kasthuri Patto (Batu Kawan) Akmal Nasir (Johor Bahru) Datuk Ustaz Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (Hulu Langat), Chan Ming Kai (Alor Setar) and Sim Tze Tsin (Bayan Baru).

Others who have been questioned during the week included contract doctors. Although this is said to have been stopped with the assurance given by the Health Minister in the Dewan Rakyat, there have been allegations that some doctors were questioned late in the night.

The government is once again using repressive laws to oppress different views and curb the freedom of expression and the target now are activists who are picking up important issues and speaking about them, Sivarasa said.

It should instead protect the freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 10(a) of the Federal Constitution and the right to protest peacefully and stop using the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) to target activists who have a right to raise important issues.

There is no reason for such a move to stop the freedom of expression from them as they are carrying out their protest in peace, and these laws come with high compounds of RM50,000 fine and prison sentence, all intended to put fear in the people from speaking on these issues.

Also being investigated is a senior journalist who had reported on a vaccination centre and medical officers who have been called in as witnesses in the investigation. These medical officers are being questioned late in the night, Sivarasa said, adding that if they are witnesses why not question them earlier in the day.

Teresa Kok meanwhile highlighted that all the activists’ investigations came under the Communications and Multimedia Act which is under the purview of the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia with its minister being Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.

“What we would like to know is whether he had instructed these investigations himself or else he should take a stand (on the matter).”

He was previously a Pakatan Harapan Minister who used to be involved in organising human rights activities.

“We as MPs want to know whether he has changed his stand from a person who was so pro-human rights and for freedom of speech…It is sad if a journalist cannot write something true about issues at a vaccination centre…and if a NGO cannot talk about what is happening in the immigration centre.

“I hope he can come up with a statement on what he thinks about these issues.”

Akmal said the issues raised by the activists were not political in nature and they were talking about matters raised by the people in the social media and the due process of democracy should be allowed to take place. These are not planned events to bring down the government but about raising matters related to the people. They need to be heard, he said.

Kasthuri said the Director General of Immigration should investigate the issues being raised on the treatment of immigrants at the detention centre by refugee activist Heidi Kua. If there is no truth to her claims, then a report should come out to the effect following the investigation rather than going after the activist.

She also raised the issue of double standards being applied in offences related to the breach of MCO standard operating procedures. In April, members of a political party were reported to have breached the MCO SOPs, but action against them is being only taken now.