‘Govt can’t use force to interpret history’
Oslo-based Armed For the Quill says the charge against Mat Sabu violates the rights to freedom of thought.
(Free Malaysia Today) – An international NGO promoting freedom of speech, Armed For the Quill (AFTQ), has jumped on the bandwagon in telling the government off for charging PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu in court with criminal defamation.
Stalin also changed history to make himself the hero of the revolution and to reduce Trotsky to a minor role
“The government cannot force its interpretation about any historical event on anybody.
“This is because such action is denying the people freedom of thought and expression,” AFTQ’s Southeast Asian regional head and Malaysian representative, Shaharul Anwar Shafie, said in a press statement yesterday.
The Oslo-based NGO sees the charge against the PAS leader as an attempt to deny the right of speech and expression on matters that have room for interpretation and dispute.
Popularly known as Mat Sabu, he was charged at the Butterworth Sessions Court yesterday with allegedly defaming several police personnel and their families, who defended themselves during a Communist attack led by Mat Indera on the Bukit Kepong police station, Muar, Johor, on Feb 23, 1950.
Mat Sabu is alleged to have committed the offence during a public speech at Tasek Gelugor, Penang, between 10pm and 12 midnight on Aug 21.
Mat Sabu was charged under Section 500 of the Penal Code with criminal defamation but pleaded not guilty and posted a RM15,000 bail.
Shaharul said that debates and historical facts must be welcomed because history evolves based on new study modes, information and observation.
He also said the issue, if handled properly, would be beneficial to the government as it would earn brownie points.
“If the government can show some level of great wisdom and seriousness in dealing with democratic reforms, the Malaysian government will continue to be held in high esteem by its citizens.”
