Police abusing its role in going after BN critics

The Centre for Independent Journalism

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) strongly protests the continuing police arrests and a related raid at the headquarters of opposition party, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) to eliminate critical expression about the political crisis in Perak state. 

The raid was conducted on 23 May and police seized a computer, DVDs and pamphlets about the political crisis. Police has already arrested 11 people on 19 May and 16 two days later this month for holding candlelight vigils to protest the Barisan Nasional (BN) takeover of the state and its refusal to hold fresh elections. Elected representative Janice Lee from DAP was arrested twice for being at both vigils. A local councillor for Ulu Selangor Ooi Leng Heng, nabbed on 21 May was brought along by the police to the raid to show where the pamphlets were kept. Although police have released all who were arrested for protesting, the count since 5 May has climbed to 142 people, according to human rights group Suaram.

The police actions show that the government has lost sight of the need to respect public sentiment over the ongoing political crisis in the state of Perak. Its high-handed tactics further infuriate the public and the civil society campaigning for the cause of good governance.

CIJ warns the BN government that any further actions aimed at silencing critics of the Perak issue will worsen its record in human rights and the practice of democracy in the country. The people's right to and wish for democratic processes must be respected at all times. 

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director