Let Bersih march, say academics
By Tashny Sukumaran, FMT
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian academics say the Bersih crisis can be solved if the government drops all charges, release those detained and permit Bersih to march peacefully on Saturday.
The group of academics, who include political analysts Azmi Sharom, Terence Gomez and Lim Teck Ghee, said that the march was “undeniably noble”, and expressed disapproval that the government was resorting to “harsh measures and use of draconian laws” to stop the rally from happening.
“They are a legitimate expression of the freedom and rights of the citizens of a country. A government that uses laws, institutions and resources of the state to suppress or repress such activities undermines its own credibility and claim to practising democracy,” the academicians said in a statement today.
Some of the other signatories are well-respected local academics like Mustafa K Anuar, Andrew Aeria, Christopher Chong, Sharmani Gabriel, Francis Loh, Ooi Kee Beng, Janet Pillai, Johan Saravanamuttu, Tan Sooi Beng, Yeoh Seng Guan and Diana Wong.
The statement calls the relevant authorities not only to release all those who have been detained, but also for both the government and the opposition to commit to a code of peaceful conduct during the marches.
“Public assemblies and marches in support of causes that have attracted widespread public concern are a common feature of all democratic systems,” said the academics.
