Set up independent panel of inquiry to probe Semenyih incident

Aliran calls upon Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to reveal the name of the local non-governmental organisation (NGO) that is  said to have passed false information to the British media about the alleged poisoning of illegal foreign workers at detention camps.

Unless Dr Mahathir reveals the identities of the parties involved, the image and credibility of all local NGOs will be tarnished! Such sweeping accusations also do not allow the accused parties to defend themselves or to substantiate their claims.

The allegations that immigrants at detention camps were poisoned are so serious that the government should immediately set up an independent panel of inquiry to probe the matter. If all government actions have been above board in this affair there is nothing to fear whatsoever.  That is the best way to clear the name of the government once and for all.

The government should also allow  the UNHCR officials, the local and foreign media and local NGOs free access to the detention camps to prove that the illegal immigrants detained there are humanely treated, contrary to the claims in the British media.

Going after NGO activists who have supposedly spread “false” information - without first   having an independent inquiry to prove that the information is indeed false -  will be counterproductive. Such action will not repair the tarnished image of the government. It will only be seen as a vindictive act by an authoritarian government that does not tolerate dissent.

If an independent panel establishes that the information given was indeed false, then, and only then, should action - legal action in court - be taken against those guilty of spreading false information.

In the name of justice, we call upon the government to set up an independent panel of inquiry to establish the truth.
 

P.  Ramakrishnan
President
5 May 1998