Detained lawyer goes on hunger strike, dares Umno leaders to follow suit

(Malay Mail Online) – Lawyer Matthias Chang said today he will go on a hunger strike to protest his detention under an anti-terrorism law, and challenged Umno leaders to join him to prove that they were willing to “die” for their beliefs.

In a statement released through his lawyers his arrest, Chang said he will begin his hunger strike immediately to “show to all Malaysians” that the current Umno leadership could not be trusted.

“I call upon all of you to go on a hunger strike with me (no food or water whatsoever) to demonstrate that we are willing to die for our respective causes,” Chang said, referring to Umno’s top leaders.

“Those who give up and stop their hunger strike for whatever reasons shall bow in shame, apologise to the entire country and their community and resign from their public office,” Chang added.

Chang was today detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA) 2012, the same law used to hold his client, former Umno leader Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan.

Khairuddin was detained on September 23 for 28 days under SOSMA after a global tour to solicit investigations by other countries into 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

When contacted, another of Chang’s lawyer Mohd Akmal Afiq Mohamad, said his client is being investigated under Sections 124K and 124L of the Penal Code, similar to Khairuddin.

Sections 124K and 124L deal with sabotage and attempting to sabotage the state respectively.

Khairuddin had kicked off the tour following a series of reports by US-based business daily Wall Street Journal alleging dubious activities involving the state-owned firm.