Home     Aliran Monthly    Statements   Human Rights    NGOs   Links   Join Us   About Us

Aliran Media Statement

Stop Nit-picking!

"Organic" Ong was arrested

One would like to believe that the police have far more important responsibilities to the nation than wasting their time in nit-picking and intimidating caring Malaysians who are genuinely concerned about the quality of life of their fellow citizens.

The police action following the forum "Penang's future: Car or people friendly?" on the night of Saturday, 29 June 2002 at the SOS office in Penang is regrettable. Its organiser, Ong Boon Keong, was arrested while two other speakers were questioned.

The proposed Penang Outer Ring Road threatens to disrupt lives, displace long-time residents and destroy precious green lungs and popular landmarks. People are questioning whether such sacrifices are necessary for a project which, according to experts, will at the most only yield benefits for a few years - before the nightmare of congestion and pollution returns to haunt us.

When the project affects them in such a pernicious manner shouldn't they have a right to discuss and debate it? Why should this right be perceived as a threat? How does it threaten the peace of the state? Why do the police become embroiled in this issue?

State Economic Planning, Education and Human Resource Committee Chairman Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon is absolutely correct in stating, "People should be allowed to speak on issues which are of public interest. Public transportation is not a sensitive or a political issue."

Hauling up Ong Boon Keong to the police station and threatening to charge him in court for the alleged breach of Section 11(2) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 is only an excuse to disrupt and discourage any discussion pertaining to PORR. This was very obvious when the local speaker at the forum, Ganesh Rasagam, was questioned by the police about his background and employment - an action clearly aimed at harassing him.

It is truly regrettable that the police are so terribly ignorant of human rights that they are unable to appreciate or respect our basic right of assembly and information. It should be made mandatory for every police personnel to undergo a meaningful course on human rights. This requirement is urgent and imperative as the police have been guilty of violating the rights of Malaysians far too often.

In the meantime, we call upon the police to drop their charge against Ong and to redeem their image.

P Ramakrishnan
President
2 July 2002