Aliran Media Statement
Suaram Activist's Deportation Unwarranted
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It is simply uncivilised to throw out an activist just because her position on logging |
Aliran condemns the action of the Sarawak immigration department in barring Suaram executive director Cynthia Gabriel from entering the state. It is an intolerable interference with the right of movement of a citizen - a fundamental right of citizenship.
This unwarranted action is an outright violation of her human rights, which curtails her right as a Malaysian citizen to travel anywhere in the country.
If it is true that the primary reason for Gabriel's deportation was due to her connection to the anti-logging activities in Sarawak, then it is totally unjustified and doesn't merit such drastic action.
It is simply uncivilised to throw out an activist just because her position on logging doesn't jive with that of the state government. Rights are not conferred on the basis of absolute acquiescence with the policies of the government. In any case, what is the Sarawak government so afraid of?
To its utter shame, this is not the first time the Sarawak government has barred activists and we hope it will not resort to this undemocratic practice in future.
We call upon the state government to lift the ban on Gabriel with immediate effect.
Aliran Executive Committee
21 August 2003
This statement was sent to the local media including The Star, New Straits Times, and The Sun.
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