All the signs this week are pointing towards one eventuality - Malaysia is regressing into a police state.
What is a police state? A police state is a country that is ruled by force, with the support of armed personnel acting on the instructions, either overt or covert, of the ruling regime.
Freedom of assembly is controlled. Freedom of speech is limited. In fact, in a police state, there is little freedom unless you are a part of the ruling regime.
A facade of freedom is allowed to exist for foreign policy purposes and to keep up the charade of a democratic system but in all reality, any dissension is suppressed and oppression is the rule of the day.
Libya was a police state. Iraq was a police state. Egypt was a police state. Myanmar was a police state. There was no freedom to assemble, no freedom of the press, and the ruling regime dictated with an iron-clad fist and those who opposed it were arrested under draconian laws that are totally unacceptable in a real democracy. Do these characteristics of a police state sound eerily familiar?
Read on and be the judge of it.
KL police chief: Cops can no longer tolerate vigils
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Politically-motivated candlelight vigils have reached a level where the police could no longer tolerate, said Kuala Lumpur CPO Mohmad Salleh, who urged people to voice their grievances through legal channels instead.
Stressing that such gatherings are illegal, Mohmad (right) said it would not solve any problems, but instead brings about an “unhealthy atmosphere”.
“These vigils are an offence under the law. For the police, it has reached a level where we can no longer tolerate such things, because it can cause anxiety for the local residents.
“So I ask, please let the legal process to proceed as fairly as it can. If we are dissatisfied, street protests are not the way to solve it. We have the courts,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference today where he was asked to comment on a candlelight vigil for student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim last night, and possible upcoming rallies following thearrest of PKR vice-president Tian Chua, Anything But Umno (ABU) chief Haris Ibrahim, and former Batu Berendam MP Tamrin Ghafar today.
A candlelight vigil has been running for several consecutive nights outside the Jinjang police lock-up in solidarity with Adam Adli, reaching its peak last night with about 1,000 people.
However, police then cracked down on the group, arresting 14 men and four women.
Confirming the arrests and that they have all been released, Mohmad said they are being investigated under Section 143 of the Penal Code for illegal assembly.
Upon conviction, the charge brings a penalty of up to six months imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Although Adam Adli has been released on bail after being charged this morning, the trio arrested today are now being held at the same police station and there is talk of a candlelight vigil for them as well.
They are being investigated for a similar offence as Adam Adli, which is to allegedly utter seditious speeches during an anti-electoral fraud ceramah on May 13.
Special team to probe Dharmendren’s death
On a separate matter, Mohmad said police federal headquarters has formed a special team to take over the investigation of death in custody victim N Dharmendran (left).
He said the case has now been classified as murder after an autopsy report revealed that ‘criminal force’ had been used on Dharmendran, while declining to elaborate on the nature of his injuries.
“I wish to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to all of the victim’s family members (and assure them that) the police are viewing this matter seriously.
“I guarantee to his family members and society at large that the police will handle this investigation transparently and will not defend police officers who had arrested and questioned the victim,” he said.
Dharmendran was arrested on May 11 for allegedly being involved in a fight, but supposedly died on May 21 at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters lock-up.
According to his family’s lawyer N Surendran, the autopsy has revealed signs of torture, including beatings and staples to the victim’s ear, legs and ankles.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/231020
Stressing that such gatherings are illegal, Mohmad (right) said it would not solve any problems, but instead brings about an “unhealthy atmosphere”.“These vigils are an offence under the law. For the police, it has reached a level where we can no longer tolerate such things, because it can cause anxiety for the local residents.
“So I ask, please let the legal process to proceed as fairly as it can. If we are dissatisfied, street protests are not the way to solve it. We have the courts,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference today where he was asked to comment on a candlelight vigil for student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim last night, and possible upcoming rallies following thearrest of PKR vice-president Tian Chua, Anything But Umno (ABU) chief Haris Ibrahim, and former Batu Berendam MP Tamrin Ghafar today.
A candlelight vigil has been running for several consecutive nights outside the Jinjang police lock-up in solidarity with Adam Adli, reaching its peak last night with about 1,000 people.
However, police then cracked down on the group, arresting 14 men and four women.Confirming the arrests and that they have all been released, Mohmad said they are being investigated under Section 143 of the Penal Code for illegal assembly.
Upon conviction, the charge brings a penalty of up to six months imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Although Adam Adli has been released on bail after being charged this morning, the trio arrested today are now being held at the same police station and there is talk of a candlelight vigil for them as well.
They are being investigated for a similar offence as Adam Adli, which is to allegedly utter seditious speeches during an anti-electoral fraud ceramah on May 13.
Special team to probe Dharmendren’s death
On a separate matter, Mohmad said police federal headquarters has formed a special team to take over the investigation of death in custody victim N Dharmendran (left).He said the case has now been classified as murder after an autopsy report revealed that ‘criminal force’ had been used on Dharmendran, while declining to elaborate on the nature of his injuries.
“I wish to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to all of the victim’s family members (and assure them that) the police are viewing this matter seriously.
“I guarantee to his family members and society at large that the police will handle this investigation transparently and will not defend police officers who had arrested and questioned the victim,” he said.
Dharmendran was arrested on May 11 for allegedly being involved in a fight, but supposedly died on May 21 at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters lock-up.
According to his family’s lawyer N Surendran, the autopsy has revealed signs of torture, including beatings and staples to the victim’s ear, legs and ankles.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/231020
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Auntie Bersih gives vigil-goers words of wisdom
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Annie Ooi - a senior citizen who rose to fame following an iconic photograph of her during the Bersih 2.0 rally - was the voice of reason at the solidarity vigil at the Jinjang police lock-up last night.
In a short speech, Ooi who has since gained the monicker Auntie Bersih, urged the participants calmly disperse if the police come to break up the gathering.
"We are not robbers or murderers... If the police come near us, we walk away slowly.
"Don't start running in all direction like cowards," she said to cheers from about 700 people there to show solidarity for three individuals - two opposition politicians and one human rights activist - arrested yesterday.
Ever pragmatic, the retired teacher invited chuckles from the group when Ooi showed that she had brought a bag of supplies in case she too needed to spend the night in the police lock-up.
Among the items in her tote bag was a toothbrush.
"We must be prepared to be locked up if the police really want to arrest all Malaysians," the feisty diminutive woman said to applause.
Spontaneous vigil
The participants had attended a spontaneous vigil in solidarity with Batu MP Tian Chua, human rights activist Haris Ibrahim and PAS leader Tamrin Ghafar, who are all remanded under the Sedition Act 1948.
The group lit candles to show support for the trio who will be held at the lock-up until 11am today when the police are expected to apply to court for further remand to facilitate their investigations.
Also speaking at the vigil were Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid, whose son Adam Adli was held at the lock-up until yesterday morning.
Adam Adli was charged with sedition yesterday after spending five nights at the lock-up for allegedly uttering seditious words at a public forum.
Yesterday's vigil was the fourth vigil in the row at Jinjang, with vigils held in solidarity with Adam Adli the nights before.
On Wednesday night, 18 people were nabbed for refusing to follow police instruction to disperse, but they were released several hours later. Some claimed assault by police.
However, no arrests were reported last night despite warnings by the police that they can no longer tolerate such vigils.
In a short speech, Ooi who has since gained the monicker Auntie Bersih, urged the participants calmly disperse if the police come to break up the gathering."We are not robbers or murderers... If the police come near us, we walk away slowly.
"Don't start running in all direction like cowards," she said to cheers from about 700 people there to show solidarity for three individuals - two opposition politicians and one human rights activist - arrested yesterday.
Ever pragmatic, the retired teacher invited chuckles from the group when Ooi showed that she had brought a bag of supplies in case she too needed to spend the night in the police lock-up.Among the items in her tote bag was a toothbrush.
"We must be prepared to be locked up if the police really want to arrest all Malaysians," the feisty diminutive woman said to applause.
Spontaneous vigil
The participants had attended a spontaneous vigil in solidarity with Batu MP Tian Chua, human rights activist Haris Ibrahim and PAS leader Tamrin Ghafar, who are all remanded under the Sedition Act 1948.
The group lit candles to show support for the trio who will be held at the lock-up until 11am today when the police are expected to apply to court for further remand to facilitate their investigations.Also speaking at the vigil were Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid, whose son Adam Adli was held at the lock-up until yesterday morning.
Adam Adli was charged with sedition yesterday after spending five nights at the lock-up for allegedly uttering seditious words at a public forum.Yesterday's vigil was the fourth vigil in the row at Jinjang, with vigils held in solidarity with Adam Adli the nights before.
On Wednesday night, 18 people were nabbed for refusing to follow police instruction to disperse, but they were released several hours later. Some claimed assault by police.
However, no arrests were reported last night despite warnings by the police that they can no longer tolerate such vigils.
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Anwar unfazed by government crackdown
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The slew of arrests following accusations of electoral fraud in the May 5 general election has not spooked de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim into giving up the opposition struggle.
Telling this to about 20,000 who attended a 'Blackout 505' rally in Kuala Ibai, Terengganu last night, he said he will fight on so long as the people continue to support him.
"The crackdown has begun. We all know who will be their target in the end.
"If these arrests are a signal by Prime Minister Najib (Abdul Razak) or the home minister (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) to rattle me, I'm telling you now that I am not afraid as long as the rakyat are with me," he said to cheers.
The rally last night was part of the nationwide rallies organised by Pakatan Rakyat to spread the word about electoral fraud in GE13, which the opposition despite winning 51 percent of the popular votes, failed to win power.
Also at last night's rally were PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu and party vice-president Husam Musa.
PKR vice-president and Batu MP Tian Chua was also slated to speak at the rally but he was picked up by police at the Kuala Lumpur Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) airport before boarding his flight to Terengganu yesterday.
Police investigations
Police also arrested human rights activist Haris Ibrahim and PAS leader Tamrin Ghafar in separate locations yesterday.
The trio, believed to be nabbed in relation to a protest rally planned this Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, were arrested under the Sedition Act and held at the Jinjang Police Station.
Since the election, six Pakatan leaders and activists have come under police investigations for separate alleged offences.
They include Seri Setia assemblyperson Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, DAP veteran Dr Chen Man Hin, Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming and Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming.
The police action is under the watch of newly-appointed inspector general of police Khalid Abu Bakar.
Telling this to about 20,000 who attended a 'Blackout 505' rally in Kuala Ibai, Terengganu last night, he said he will fight on so long as the people continue to support him."The crackdown has begun. We all know who will be their target in the end.
"If these arrests are a signal by Prime Minister Najib (Abdul Razak) or the home minister (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) to rattle me, I'm telling you now that I am not afraid as long as the rakyat are with me," he said to cheers.
The rally last night was part of the nationwide rallies organised by Pakatan Rakyat to spread the word about electoral fraud in GE13, which the opposition despite winning 51 percent of the popular votes, failed to win power.
Also at last night's rally were PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu and party vice-president Husam Musa.PKR vice-president and Batu MP Tian Chua was also slated to speak at the rally but he was picked up by police at the Kuala Lumpur Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) airport before boarding his flight to Terengganu yesterday.
Police investigations
Police also arrested human rights activist Haris Ibrahim and PAS leader Tamrin Ghafar in separate locations yesterday.The trio, believed to be nabbed in relation to a protest rally planned this Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, were arrested under the Sedition Act and held at the Jinjang Police Station.
Since the election, six Pakatan leaders and activists have come under police investigations for separate alleged offences.
They include Seri Setia assemblyperson Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, DAP veteran Dr Chen Man Hin, Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming and Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming.The police action is under the watch of newly-appointed inspector general of police Khalid Abu Bakar.
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Kit Siang next target of gov't crackdown?
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DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang may be the next target of the police's dragnet due to his statement made during his campaign which predicted that Pakatan Rakyat would win the 13th general election.
According to DAP's Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming, who gave his statement to the police this morning, the investigating officer revealed that Lim will be questioned next.
The officer from the police district headquarters of Pontian, Johor travelled to Ipoh this morning to record Nga's statement under Section 500 of the Penal Code for committing criminal defamation.
"The police report against me was lodged by Johor police and the investigation was ordered by the state criminal investigation department head," he toldMalaysiakini when contacted today after the one-hour interrogation.
The police had been investigating Nga's (left) speech during ceramah in both the Pontian and Gelang Patah constituencies, which quoted Lim's statement that Pakatan would win the general election with 145 parliamentary seats.
In a statement issued on April 17, Lim claimed that he has received information that the intelligence in the police federal headquarters of Bukit Aman and the Defence Ministry did not rule out the defeat of BN in the general election.
"According to a Bukit Aman intelligence estimate - which I cannot verify whether it is from the police or not - the possible outcome of the 13th general election for parliamentary elections is as follows...
"According to this estimate, Pakatan will win 145 parliamentary seats compared to 77 for BN, or a majority of 68 seats," he said.
'Ridiculous investigation'
The police have later denied this claim.
On another note, Nga has commented that the investigation on the matter is ridiculous.
"If we cannot predict our chances of victory, what should we say on stage? I call on the new home minister and inspector-general of police (IGP) not to play politics, but (instead) focus the police's resources in fighting crime, which should be their mission.
"This is an attempt to create white terror," he added.
Since the 13th general election concluded on May 5, the police - led by the newly-appointed IGP Khalid Abu Bakar (left) - have been hauling up opposition leaders and activists for various offences.
They include Seri Setia assemblyperson Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, Batu MP Tian Chua, human rights activist Haris Ibrahim, PAS member Tamrin Ghaffar, DAP founding chairperson Dr Chen Man Hinand Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming.
According to DAP's Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming, who gave his statement to the police this morning, the investigating officer revealed that Lim will be questioned next.
The officer from the police district headquarters of Pontian, Johor travelled to Ipoh this morning to record Nga's statement under Section 500 of the Penal Code for committing criminal defamation.
"The police report against me was lodged by Johor police and the investigation was ordered by the state criminal investigation department head," he toldMalaysiakini when contacted today after the one-hour interrogation.The police had been investigating Nga's (left) speech during ceramah in both the Pontian and Gelang Patah constituencies, which quoted Lim's statement that Pakatan would win the general election with 145 parliamentary seats.
In a statement issued on April 17, Lim claimed that he has received information that the intelligence in the police federal headquarters of Bukit Aman and the Defence Ministry did not rule out the defeat of BN in the general election.
"According to a Bukit Aman intelligence estimate - which I cannot verify whether it is from the police or not - the possible outcome of the 13th general election for parliamentary elections is as follows...
"According to this estimate, Pakatan will win 145 parliamentary seats compared to 77 for BN, or a majority of 68 seats," he said.
'Ridiculous investigation'
The police have later denied this claim.
On another note, Nga has commented that the investigation on the matter is ridiculous.
"If we cannot predict our chances of victory, what should we say on stage? I call on the new home minister and inspector-general of police (IGP) not to play politics, but (instead) focus the police's resources in fighting crime, which should be their mission.
"This is an attempt to create white terror," he added.Since the 13th general election concluded on May 5, the police - led by the newly-appointed IGP Khalid Abu Bakar (left) - have been hauling up opposition leaders and activists for various offences.
They include Seri Setia assemblyperson Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, Batu MP Tian Chua, human rights activist Haris Ibrahim, PAS member Tamrin Ghaffar, DAP founding chairperson Dr Chen Man Hinand Serdang MP Ong Kian Ming.
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Home Ministry seizes Harakah, Suara Keadilan, Rocket
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The Home Minister has reportedly confiscated copies of two major opposition publications Harakah and Suara Keadilan, in various states.
According to Harakah’s online news site, HarakahDaily, copies of the PAS’ party organ were said to have been seized in Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Kedah and Perak.
The paper’s marketing manager Ahmad Faisal Tawang had said he received calls from vendors in the morning, informing him that not only ministry were representatives seizing copies of the paper, they were also raiding the vendors’ premises.
He said the paper’s confiscated were Friday’s edition, dated May 24-26, which featured the frontpage headline 'GST hadiah BN untuk rakyat (GST is BN’s gift to the rakyat)'.
According to Harakah’s online news site, HarakahDaily, copies of the PAS’ party organ were said to have been seized in Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Kedah and Perak.
The paper’s marketing manager Ahmad Faisal Tawang had said he received calls from vendors in the morning, informing him that not only ministry were representatives seizing copies of the paper, they were also raiding the vendors’ premises.He said the paper’s confiscated were Friday’s edition, dated May 24-26, which featured the frontpage headline 'GST hadiah BN untuk rakyat (GST is BN’s gift to the rakyat)'.
Some 500 copies were allegdly seized in Malacca, whileover 1,000 were taken in Alor Setar, in Kedah.
Meanwhile, it was also stated onTwitter that copies of PKR mouthpieceSuara Keadilan were similarly confiscated in four states today.
In a related development, the home ministry said that the raid was conducted under Section 5 of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA), for breach of the permit conditions.
One such condition restricts the distribution of party organs to party members only.
A total of 1,408 copies of Suara Keadilan, 1,062 copies of Harakahand 70 copies of The Rocket were seized during the raid nationwide which began yesterday.
"This operation will be continued to ensure the enforcement of the PPPA to ensure all quarters do not breach the Act," read a Home Ministry press release.
One such condition restricts the distribution of party organs to party members only.
A total of 1,408 copies of Suara Keadilan, 1,062 copies of Harakahand 70 copies of The Rocket were seized during the raid nationwide which began yesterday.
"This operation will be continued to ensure the enforcement of the PPPA to ensure all quarters do not breach the Act," read a Home Ministry press release.
‘Kedahans will be kept in the dark’
PKR Alor Star MP Gooi Hsiao Leung said he believed the latest crackdown on opposition newspapers is carried out because BN has failed to stop hundreds of thousands of Malaysians coming out in support of Blackout 505 rallies across the country, despite using threats of intimidation and arrests of political leaders and activists.
“During the past five years, Kedahans had enjoyed their right and access to free expression, speech and information, particularly papers belonging to political parties, without any harassment from the authorities,” he said in a statement.
“With this latest repressive move, Kedahans, especially those living in rural areas who have no or very limited access to digital media, will be kept in the dark and be deprived of access to opposition news,” he added.
PKR Alor Star MP Gooi Hsiao Leung said he believed the latest crackdown on opposition newspapers is carried out because BN has failed to stop hundreds of thousands of Malaysians coming out in support of Blackout 505 rallies across the country, despite using threats of intimidation and arrests of political leaders and activists.
“During the past five years, Kedahans had enjoyed their right and access to free expression, speech and information, particularly papers belonging to political parties, without any harassment from the authorities,” he said in a statement.“With this latest repressive move, Kedahans, especially those living in rural areas who have no or very limited access to digital media, will be kept in the dark and be deprived of access to opposition news,” he added.
In a related development, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail condemned the seizure as not even 10 days after Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak took his oath of office, Umno and BN has continued with their arrogant ways to curb opposition party mouthpieces.
“They have gone to seize Suara Keadilan in Ipoh, Malacca, Johor Baru, Seremban, Bangi and Kota Baru.
“PKR envisages that this stern and cruel undemocratic action will continue following the arrest of Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Tian Chua, Haris Ibrahim and Tamrin Ghafar.
“The seizure of these papers is directed to make Malaysians stupid by not giving them an opportunity to read alternative reports. The seizure is politically motivated and we regret that Umno and BN had resorted in such manner as the ruling coalition are afraid because they obtained power despite obtaining a minority mandate,” said Saifuddin.
“They have gone to seize Suara Keadilan in Ipoh, Malacca, Johor Baru, Seremban, Bangi and Kota Baru.
“PKR envisages that this stern and cruel undemocratic action will continue following the arrest of Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Tian Chua, Haris Ibrahim and Tamrin Ghafar.
“The seizure of these papers is directed to make Malaysians stupid by not giving them an opportunity to read alternative reports. The seizure is politically motivated and we regret that Umno and BN had resorted in such manner as the ruling coalition are afraid because they obtained power despite obtaining a minority mandate,” said Saifuddin.
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Three Pakatan, NGO leaders nabbed in noon dragnet
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PKR vice-president Tian Chua as well as Anything But Umno (ABU) chief Haris Ibrahim, were arrested seperately this afternoon, in relation to a recent anti-electoral fraud ceramah in Kuala Lumpur.
They were later joined by former Batu Berendam MP and PAS member Tamrin Ghafar (right), who also spoke at the forum, after he, too, was arrested by the police in Bangsar this afternoon.
All three were taken to the Jinjang police station.
At a press conference later, Kuala Lumpur CPO Mohmad Salleh confirmed the trio’s arrest under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
This is in relation to speeches that they have made during the talk at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) on May 13.
Tian Chua, via Twitter, said he was taken at the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Kuala Lumpur, just as he was about to pass a security check point.
He was catching a flight to Kuala Terengganu for the 'Blackout 505 rally' scheduled to be held there tonight.
The Batu MP claimed that he was informed he was being detained under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.
Meanwhile, according to PSM secretary-general S Arulchelvan (right, in photo), Haris (centre) was picked up by five policemen as he was lunching with friends in Segambut, including Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia’s (SABM) Jayanath Appudurai.
Jayanath told Malaysiakini that the group was approached about noon by five police personnel.
“I overheard them saying something about the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) and Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
“I believe the arrest was on the same grounds as that of Adam Adli Abdul Halim,” Jayanath said.
Haris was one of the speakers at the post-electoral forum, organised by Suara Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) that was held at KLSCAH on May 13.
It was during this forum that 23-year-old student activist Adam (left in photo) made an allegedly seditious speech for which hearrested last Saturday and charged in court this morning.
In fact, Haris, who is also a lawyer, was present in court earlier today to show support for Adam.
Lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, who is at the police station, confirmed the arrest of Tamrin, who is the son of former Deputy Prime Minister the late Ghafar Baba.
"He is in front of me now," said Malik Imtiaz.
Meanwhile, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard, tweeted that a team of police officers had been to his mother’s home in Seremban, looking for him.
The prominent blogger - who is also a PKR grassroots leader - had been a speaker at the forum, as well as being its organiser.
When asked if all of the speakers at the forum would be arrested, Kuala Lumpur’s top cop remained coy in his response.
“We will look at how the investigations go and see,” Mohmad said.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/230969
They were later joined by former Batu Berendam MP and PAS member Tamrin Ghafar (right), who also spoke at the forum, after he, too, was arrested by the police in Bangsar this afternoon.All three were taken to the Jinjang police station.
At a press conference later, Kuala Lumpur CPO Mohmad Salleh confirmed the trio’s arrest under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
This is in relation to speeches that they have made during the talk at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) on May 13.
Tian Chua, via Twitter, said he was taken at the low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in Kuala Lumpur, just as he was about to pass a security check point.
He was catching a flight to Kuala Terengganu for the 'Blackout 505 rally' scheduled to be held there tonight.
The Batu MP claimed that he was informed he was being detained under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.
Meanwhile, according to PSM secretary-general S Arulchelvan (right, in photo), Haris (centre) was picked up by five policemen as he was lunching with friends in Segambut, including Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia’s (SABM) Jayanath Appudurai.Jayanath told Malaysiakini that the group was approached about noon by five police personnel.
“I overheard them saying something about the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) and Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
“I believe the arrest was on the same grounds as that of Adam Adli Abdul Halim,” Jayanath said.
Haris was one of the speakers at the post-electoral forum, organised by Suara Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) that was held at KLSCAH on May 13.It was during this forum that 23-year-old student activist Adam (left in photo) made an allegedly seditious speech for which hearrested last Saturday and charged in court this morning.
In fact, Haris, who is also a lawyer, was present in court earlier today to show support for Adam.
Lawyer Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, who is at the police station, confirmed the arrest of Tamrin, who is the son of former Deputy Prime Minister the late Ghafar Baba."He is in front of me now," said Malik Imtiaz.
Meanwhile, Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard, tweeted that a team of police officers had been to his mother’s home in Seremban, looking for him.
The prominent blogger - who is also a PKR grassroots leader - had been a speaker at the forum, as well as being its organiser.
When asked if all of the speakers at the forum would be arrested, Kuala Lumpur’s top cop remained coy in his response.
“We will look at how the investigations go and see,” Mohmad said.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/230969
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Adam Adli claims trial to sedition charge
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VIDEO | 3.22 min
Student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim was charged with sedition in a Kuala Lumpur sessions court today for supposedly calling for the toppling of the elected government.
The 24-year-old claimed trial before sessions judge Norsharidah Awang.
Adam Adli was charged under Section 4(1)(b), which is punishable under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.
According to the charge sheet, Adam had made a seditious speech that had a tendency to incite Malaysians to change a legitimate government in any manner other than legal means.
"We can't wait five years to topple Umno and BN. Five more years, it is 2018, I can't wait until 2018.
"In 2013, we shall topple Umno and BN together and boot them out of Putrajaya," he allegedly said in a speech on May 13 according to the transcript in his charge sheet.
He also supposedly gave his full name and IC number on stage and dared anyone to lodge a police report over his speech. This triggered giggles in the public gallery when the pertinent part of the transcript was read out in court.
"Take my details and lodge a police report, because today, I invite everyone here to get organised and hit the streets to take back our power. Can or not!?" he allegedly continued in his speech.
Adam Adli was represented by Ambiga Sreenevasan, N Surendran, Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, and two others while the prosecution team of three was led by deputy public prosecutor Abarzafee Mohd Abbas.
The court set bail at RM5,000 on one surety and fixed July 2 for mention of the case.
The charge under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act carries a jail term of not less than three years or a maximum fine of RM5,000 or both.
The defence will file an application to strike out the case, citing selective prosecution and mala fide in the police investigation.
Speaking to reporters later, Ambiga (left) said there are others who had said worse things than Adam Adli, but had got away scot-free.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Sedition Act should be abolished, she said such selective prosecution is an abuse of the criminal justice system.
"Why are you (Home Minister Zahid Hamidi and Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar) picking on him? Why are you picking only on Adam Adli? We want an answer to that question.
"That is something they must answer, because they are the ones who have came up recently, talking about the law applying to everybody. This law is not being applied to everybody," she added.
Draconian law
Meanwhile, Surendran pointed out that the government has previously pledged to abolish that draconian law, but has yet to do so and had put it to use instead.
Adam Adli was released on bail at about 11.40am, after which he made a speech outside the court building thanking his supporters for standing with him, and saying that his prosecution was no reason to stop his struggle.
He also told about 100 supporters that he had cooperated with the police while detained, and the police in turn had treated him well.
Adam Adli's supporters had been gathering outside the court complex at least as early as 8.30am, but were barred from entering by police officers guarding the entrance at about 8.50am.
After a brief argument with an officer, who complained that the group was too large, the group barged into the court lobby where they lingered for about an hour.
They remained under the watchful eye of about 10 police officers, but no further action was taken against them.
Once the courtroom where Adam Adli would be charged was set, the group moved towards the venue only to be stopped at the door out of the court complex's fourth floor lobby.
Initially, at about 9.55am, police allowed only lawyers, reporters, and Adam Adli's family members through the door.
The standoff lasted about 10 minutes before police allowed the group to wait outside the courtroom instead.
However, few were able to enter the courtroom by then, as it was already full, and the rest had to wait until Adam Adli's eventual release to see him.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/230949
Student activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim was charged with sedition in a Kuala Lumpur sessions court today for supposedly calling for the toppling of the elected government.
The 24-year-old claimed trial before sessions judge Norsharidah Awang.
Adam Adli was charged under Section 4(1)(b), which is punishable under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.According to the charge sheet, Adam had made a seditious speech that had a tendency to incite Malaysians to change a legitimate government in any manner other than legal means.
"We can't wait five years to topple Umno and BN. Five more years, it is 2018, I can't wait until 2018.
"In 2013, we shall topple Umno and BN together and boot them out of Putrajaya," he allegedly said in a speech on May 13 according to the transcript in his charge sheet.
He also supposedly gave his full name and IC number on stage and dared anyone to lodge a police report over his speech. This triggered giggles in the public gallery when the pertinent part of the transcript was read out in court.
"Take my details and lodge a police report, because today, I invite everyone here to get organised and hit the streets to take back our power. Can or not!?" he allegedly continued in his speech.
Adam Adli was represented by Ambiga Sreenevasan, N Surendran, Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, and two others while the prosecution team of three was led by deputy public prosecutor Abarzafee Mohd Abbas.
The court set bail at RM5,000 on one surety and fixed July 2 for mention of the case.
The charge under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act carries a jail term of not less than three years or a maximum fine of RM5,000 or both.
The defence will file an application to strike out the case, citing selective prosecution and mala fide in the police investigation.Speaking to reporters later, Ambiga (left) said there are others who had said worse things than Adam Adli, but had got away scot-free.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Sedition Act should be abolished, she said such selective prosecution is an abuse of the criminal justice system.
"Why are you (Home Minister Zahid Hamidi and Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar) picking on him? Why are you picking only on Adam Adli? We want an answer to that question.
"That is something they must answer, because they are the ones who have came up recently, talking about the law applying to everybody. This law is not being applied to everybody," she added.
Draconian law
Meanwhile, Surendran pointed out that the government has previously pledged to abolish that draconian law, but has yet to do so and had put it to use instead.
Adam Adli was released on bail at about 11.40am, after which he made a speech outside the court building thanking his supporters for standing with him, and saying that his prosecution was no reason to stop his struggle.He also told about 100 supporters that he had cooperated with the police while detained, and the police in turn had treated him well.
Adam Adli's supporters had been gathering outside the court complex at least as early as 8.30am, but were barred from entering by police officers guarding the entrance at about 8.50am.
After a brief argument with an officer, who complained that the group was too large, the group barged into the court lobby where they lingered for about an hour.
They remained under the watchful eye of about 10 police officers, but no further action was taken against them.
Once the courtroom where Adam Adli would be charged was set, the group moved towards the venue only to be stopped at the door out of the court complex's fourth floor lobby.
Initially, at about 9.55am, police allowed only lawyers, reporters, and Adam Adli's family members through the door.
The standoff lasted about 10 minutes before police allowed the group to wait outside the courtroom instead.
However, few were able to enter the courtroom by then, as it was already full, and the rest had to wait until Adam Adli's eventual release to see him.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/230949
1 comment:
About 20 years ago I saw a documentary in Singapore about an interview with Tunku Abdul Rahman during which he said that Malaysia has become a 'Police State'. Coming from Malaysia's father of Independence, I think this is the most damning evidence.
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