CIJ: Stop crushing dissent
Tan Yi Liang, The Sun
The government's response against protesters calling for the abolition of the teaching of science and mathematics in English, "shows it is silencing public criticism rather than responding to community concern," the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) said today.
In urging the government to stop crushing dissent, CIJ warned that action, such as the police crackdown on protesters who attempted to march to the royal palace to present a memorandun last Saturday, would alienate the people from the government.
"Rather than illustrating the government's ability to explain its stance, the crackdown will cause further discontent with the government's handling of this issue," it said in a statement.
CIJ expressed concern over police actions against the group, known as the Movement for the Abolition of the Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English, (Malay acronym GMP) who want the national language to be used to teach all subjects in national schools.
"While the police had allowed the submission of the memorandum to the palace by national laureate A. Samad Said, the police action against GMP is uncalled for and a violation of freedom of speech and assembly," it said.
It noted that according to local newspaper reports, 124 were arrested and police had fired tear gas at the protesters, numbering between 5,000 and 10,000 as they started their march to the palace.
Roadblocks were also erected on major roads leading to the capital as part of police efforts to stop the protest.
"We call on the police to release those arrested and the government to engage in constructive efforts to explain, revise or abolish, instead of going after those who raise the criticism against the policy," it said.
" Exercise of freedom of expression should be treated as a check and balance mechanism in democracy instead of as criminal activity," it said in urging the government to engage in constructive efforts towards freedom of speech.
