SHAH ALAM, 7 Apr: 40 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have urged the Malaysian Armed Forces Council to drop all seven charges against Major Zaidi Ahmad who lodged a police report on the indelible ink.
In a joint statement, the 40 NGOs said that the Election Commission (EC) themselves admitted in media reports on the failure of the indelible ink used during the 13th General Election, and it was also reported by hundreds of voters.
“The question is, why was action taken against Major Zaidi, when he was speaking for the sake of public interest?” the statement said.
The statement said that Major Zaidi was accused of violating the Malaysian Armed Forces Council by lodging a police report about the indelible ink which was not lasting, used in the early voting during the 13th General Election.
They said that three out of seven counts charged is because he made a press statement without the permission of the army superiors and sent two SMS message that contained “political overtones”.
“If major Zaidi was found guilty, he is likely to lose his pension and other benefits.
“This is an injustice that cannot be accepted when we talk about democracy. Major Zaidi is actually a hero,” it said.
The statement also said that of everyone is like Major Zaidi, in being brave to voice his rights, the truth and the fair, surely the country’s administrative system will be less lacking.
Article 114 (2) in the Federal Constitution states that the EC should have confidence and trust from the public.
However, there has still yet to be any action taken by the EC, which is clearly biased, and their failure in executing the use of the indelible ink.
Instead, a Malaysian who is principled and courageous has to face trial.
“We invite all members of the public who are concerned with the issue of the election being free and fair, to give Major Zaidi support by attending his trial on 8 to 10 April 2014 at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Military Court located at Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur.
“We also demand for the Malaysian Armed Forces Council to drop all seven charged against Major Zaidi who lodged a police report on the indelible ink,” it said.
