Letter to Editor
By Pemuda Sosialis
PEMUDA Sosialis condemns the ongoing harassment against human rights defenders and human rights organisations, particularly Freedom Film Network, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) and Misi Solidariti regarding their animation entitled ‘Chili Powder and Thinner’ as an act of intimidation strangulating freedom of expression explicitly enshrined under the Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
Time and again, the authorities are reminded to revisit, learn persistently and comprehend the characteristics of democracy as spelt out in the Federal Constitution – the supreme law of the land. Any contradicting actions are ultra-vires, but the current steps taken by the authorities are needless to say – impedes the freedom of expression expressed for the inhabitants of Malaysia.
The importance of democracy is vital to allow the ruling regime of the day to collect, collate and analyse the diverse opinion reflecting the needs of the public. As such, Pemuda Sosialis interprets the animation work under question merely presented a case necessitating an independent body that oversees police actions, chiefly Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
Any attempts to expose another version of a story should not be met with negative reprisals or repercussions. Police retaliation against those exposing torture and ill-treatment sends a chilling warning to the public. This expression is not crime, unlike the use of torture and brutality by the police. Instead of adopting yet another intimidating approach, the authorities should abide by the constitutional parameters rather than obliterating or overriding them.
Continuous repressions against those aiming to create a better world devoid of torture and cruelty must be protected, if not celebrated, by all parties. The police force must consolidate all the necessary recommendations to evolve as an unbiased institution working for the betterment and protection of the people.
Pemuda Sosialis reiterates the continuous unprofessional actions of the authorities in their menial attempt to silence dissent and criticisms as unnecessary and it must end immediately.
With this Pemuda Sosialis urges the police to stop all forms of harassment and investigations against human rights activists and respective human rights organisations. This time of uncertainty requires our concerted effort to battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty, injustice while strengthening our democratic credentials. – July 7, 2021
Pemuda Sosialis is the youth wing of Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM).
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Photo credit: The Daily Star
