Be clear and constant with your stance.
Do you advocate for Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Expression and/or Freedom of Opinion in Malaysia? I do
Do you take the position that there is no need to get police permission before one can express one's Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Expression and/or Freedom of Opinion in Malaysia? I do not believe that I need to get anybody's permission for me to be to exercise my fundamental human rights.
We have condemned previous police suppression of the prople's freedom of assembly, the freedom of expression, the freedom of opinion. This is our position - and we cannot now suddenly change that position from time to time according to who is the participants of a protest, or on the basis of what they are protesting about.
Some are angry that the police did not disperse the crowd that was protesting in front of the Bar Council on Saturday(9/8/2008) - what do you want? Water cannons and tear gas...police bashing of protestors and arrests. No way - my friend.
In fact, I must say that I am happy with the conduct of the police in not breaking up the protest/demonstration in front of the Bar Council building.
BUT, when they entered into the Bar Council building (which is a private property), entered into the hall where the forum was being held, and caused the forum to stop prematurely - the protestors (or some of them) CROSSED THE LINE - and caused other to be be deprived of their fundamental rights. The police should have acted and prevented this from happening.
After all even during nomination days, the police wisely keep them supporters of different groups apart - preventing any untoward incidents...and likewise, the police should have drawn the line as to where the protestors can stand and protest, ensured that there was no impediment to any person who wanting to attend the forum, etc...
"Where are the water cannons?" - Some friend jokingly commented that they had already been taken to Permatang Pauh for the elections - that is why they did not bring out the water cannons on Saturday...mmmm. Or is the fuel hike also affecting the usage of water cannons...?
I am disappointed with the DAP (or at least some of their members) - which seem to be asking for the police to break up the protest - hence depriving people the right of assembly, protest and expression (But alas, I rely on a Star report - and it may not reflect the full truth - maybe it was just a report against them who trespassed the venue and broke up the forum - not against the persons protesting peacefully outside the Bar Council building, mmm )
Earlier, Bukit Kepayang assemblyman Cha Kee Chin lodged a report at the police station against the demonstrators. Accompanying him were Seremban MP John Fernandez, Temiang assemblyman Ng Chin Tsai and Gunasekaren.
In his report Cha said he failed to understand why the police couldn’t control the crowd and ask them to disperse although they numbered only a few hundred. - Star Online, 12/8/2008 -Cops urged to act against forum-bashers
I am, again based on the Star report below, definitely disappointed with DAP's Negeri Sembilan State Deputy Chief and Senawang asemblyman P. Gunasekaren for even suggesting the usage of the ISA, that draconian Detention Without Trial law, that we all despise and want repealed. How could he call for the arrest and detention under the Internal Security Act?
I always believed that the position of DAP, PAS, PKR and the Pakatan Rakyat was that they are totally against all laws that allow for Detention Without Trial, and I was looking forward for the immediate repeal of the ISA and all Detention Without Trial laws, and for the release of all those currently detained, restricted, etc under such laws when they do come into power...Its state deputy chief[DAP Negri Sembilan State] and Senawang asemblyman P. Gunasekaren said police should have arrested the demonstrators rather than allowed three of them to enter the Bar Council office, which was private property.
“It is sad that the police allowed them to dictate terms. The demonstrators should be arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act for stoking racial sentiments,” he said when met at the district police station in Seremban 2.
But now, after the statement of a Deputy State Chief and Assemblyperson of DAP, I have doubts as to whether there has been a change in position ( more so when they are so near to the taking over of the Federal Government)...and I have to ask that DAP, PAS, PKR and the Pakatan Rakyat to come out and clarify their position and promise all Malaysians that it shall be repealed, and all currently detained be immediately released in less than ONE(1) month after they form government. [I have to state a time-frame because past experience shows that they can procrastinate ... as what has been happening with the Local Council Elections..]
DAP and all parties should educate their leaders, members and especially elected reps of the fundamental party positions on certain matters. Action should also now be taken against Senawang asemblyman P. Gunasekaren, if he did say that to the press.
I am also totally disappointed by all those who have been calling for the usage of the ISA (and/or Detention Without Trial laws) --- It is acceptable to make reports and ask that persons be investigated for this offence and that offence - but certainly not for any person to be detained under a DETENTION WITHOUT TRIAL law - where there is not even the opportunity to defend oneself, let alone a fair and open trial...it is evil and unjust. I am sure also that it is against the values of all religions and cultures.
It is good that some have clarified that they did not call for the use of ISA...
Under-fire PAS Youth leader Salahuddin Ayub, who led the Islamic party's protesters against a Bar Council-organised forum on conversion last Saturday, said he never called for the use of ISA against the council members.
While he had led his group of demonstrators, the Kubang Kerian MP denied that he had called for Bar Council chief Ambiga Sreenevasan's arrest under the Internal Security Act.
The PAS leader was quoted in a local daily as being in favour of the Act being used against the Bar Council and it's leaders. -Malaysiakini, 12/8/2008 - 'Salahuddin: I'm against the use of ISA'
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