Malaysian Bar slams arrest of activists and politicians
The Nation/Asia News Network
Saturday, May 25, 2013
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - The Malaysian Bar has slammed the arrests and prosecution of activists and opposition politicians as "regressive" actions that do not reflect the Government's aspirations of establishing a world-class democracy.
Malaysian Bar president Christopher Leong said they were "appalled" by the arrests and subsequent charging of activists Adam Adli, Haris Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat politicians Tian Chua and Tamrin Ghafar, aside from the arrest of 18 people at a recent candlelight vigil in support of Adam.
Leong said the seizure of copies of opposition party organs Harakah, Suara Keadilan and The Rocket were uncalled for and that prohibiting the sale and distribution of the publications was unconstitutional.
"The recent arrests, prosecutions and confiscations by the authorities are manifestations of regressive and undemocratic conduct. The current environment is not reflective of a Government aspiring to achieve world-class democracy.
"Rather than bringing about a society that is at ease with itself, it is instead creating an environment of grave concern.
"The Malaysian Bar calls upon the newly-elected Government to demonstrate its commitment to a continuing course of transformation and democratic reforms, not by rhetoric alone but by sincere and genuine action.
"To promote greater democracy, the Government should welcome diversity of opinion, not close democratic space," Leong said in a statement.
Adam, Haris, Tian Chua and Tamrin have all been charged for allegedly making seditious remarks at a forum held in Kuala Lumpur on May 13.
The 18 others who were arrested, meanwhile, were rounded up during a candlelight vigil in support of Adam Adli outside of the Jinjang police detention centre on May 22.
