On 28 November, the local media quoted the Prime Minister as saying that the government was ready to use the ISA, or detention without trial up to two years, if a situation "warrants" its usage to prevent "untoward incidents that can harm the prevailing peace and harmony".

CIJ is concerned that this latest warning clearly shows the extent to which the government will go to quash any forms of criticism. The last time that the government's top brass threatened to use the ISA was in July this year when Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Nazri Aziz issued the threat against bloggers, who were targeted because of their criticism of government policy and corrupt practices.

The PM's threat raises suspicion that the government now prefers to bypass the court after three key leaders of Hindraf, P. Uthayakumar, P. Waythamoorthy and Ganapathy Rao were discharged by the Klang Magistrate's court on November 26 where they faced charges under the Sedition Act in an attempt to break the rally.

CIJ condemns the threat as instilling fear among citizens to deter them from participating in any public gatherings. The controversial ISA, which has been widely criticized both internationally and locally, is a mark of a government that treats dissent and public criticism with unjust measures. The government shouldn't ignore the voices of Malaysians who aired their grievances legitimately. In an environment where there is limited avenues for critical expressions and debates on issues confronting the society, a public gathering should be recognised as a legitimate mode of expression, as is clearly enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

CIJ urges the government to stop using harsh measures against its citizens who wish to express their dissatisfaction and appeals to the government. Peaceful assemblies should be allowed without interference from the police and without threats from the government.

Issued by

Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director

For more information, please contact Wai Fong at 03 40230772