SHAH ALAM, 1 Aug: The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) strongly condemned the arrests of activists and members of the public who participated in the For Malaysia peaceful rally in front of Sogo this afternoon.
BERSIH 2.0, in a press statement, said that the arrest and violence by the police against activists and civilians is a confirmation that there are no democratic rights to protest or question government actions.
“It is urged that all detainees, including BERSIH 2.0 activist and expert Hishamuddin Rais, Teja State Assemblyman, Chang Lih Kang, and the Simpang Pulai Assemblyman, Tan Kar Hing, as well as Bakri MP, Er Tech Hwa, are released immediately.
“The arrest was performed on 28 activists, elected representatives and individuals at the #TangkapNajib rally this afternoon ans is a denial of the right to gather and freedom of speech guaranteed in the Federal Constitution,” said the NGO.
BERSIH 2.0 also strongly condemned the remand imposed on the Secretariat Manager of BERSIH 2.0, Mandeepkarpall Singh, who was remanded for four days, while activists Adam Adli and Ahmad Syukri Razab were both remanded for six days.
BERSIH 2.0 insists that police violence against activists and civilians today does not undermine the spirit of Malaysians to participate in the Bersih 4 rally that will take place from 29-30 August.
The attitude shown by the government strengthens public perception that it is being desperate to silence those who dare speak the truth against the lies, especially involving the 1MDB scandal and the Prime Minister’s personal account.
BERSIH 2.0 invites everyone to personally judge the actions of the government in silencing those who dare speak out and fight.
“Attend the Bersih 4 rally without hesitation and anxiety to state your opinions and protest against the Prime Minister’s administration,” he said.
NS
