The police ought to protect our democratic space in these trying times, says Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center).
C4 Center calls upon the police to drop all investigations against activist Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, for allegedly participating in a public rally during the week of intense political turmoil in our country.
Fadiah is a lawyer, activist and member of our dynamic team. She is completely dedicated to the reforms agenda involving good governance, human rights and anti-corruption initiatives.
Her speech cannot be considered seditious by any proportions, given the political treachery and conspiracy that has taken place over the last week. Rather, it was an expression of disappointment over the betrayal by our politicians who put personal interest over national interest.
The investigation against Fadiah and other activists that took part in the peaceful protest a few days ago is being seen as an act of intimidation and warning to all peaceful Malaysians against voicing their objection towards the political treachery and the forming of a “back-door government”.
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C4 Center also calls upon the police to step up its role during this time of murky, dirty politics and protect demonstrators and the public alike.
The police, instead of working to stifle public dissent during this very challenging time for Malaysia, should instead facilitate and help ensure security for peaceful acts of dissent. It is paramount that politicians with treacherous intentions be held to account by the people.
Gathering to voice our dissatisfaction and objection towards the forming of the back-door government is a necessary outcome. The right to assembly is clearly stated in the Peaceful Assembly Act and further enshrined under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
It is of utmost importance now above all, that the democratic space must be upheld for all citizens as they express their loss of confidence, betrayal and abandonment of many of their MPs in undermining their vote and the trust of the Malaysian people.
Police action in investigating Fadiah and other activists for this matter does not conform to the rights of Malaysians as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
As such, C4 Center calls upon the Inspector General Abdul Hamid Bador to intervene and drop all probes against Fadiah and other activists singled out for organising public gatherings the over the last few days.
We urge Malaysians to join in a solidarity gathering with Fadiah outside the gates of Bukit Aman (Lake Gardens entrance) on 3 March at 11am. We urge members of the public who are concerned with this abuse of power to join her in this act of solidarity.
Cynthia Gabriel is founding director of C4 Center
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
