On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, the police searched the house of Raja Petra Kamaruddin and confiscated a CPU and laptop. The blogger was later summoned to the police station to record his statement about his posting on 25 April under the title "Let's send Altantuya Murderers to Hell", linking the murder of the Mongolian woman with deputy prime minister Najib Razak and wife Rosmah Mansor. Raja Petra was summoned soon after Najib Razak and wife both issued a public denial of their involvement in the murder.

When contacted, DSP Victor Sanjos, who led the team to Raja Petra's house said, a police report was made by the Investigating Officer in the murder case.
CIJ and WAMI are concerned that the current legislative framework to control freedom of speech put bloggers who write about political issues and political personalities in a risky spot. Actions can be taken against them conveniently using the Sedition Act, which has been repeatedly used against bloggers whenever they tread on political controversy or when criticizing the government.

The action against Raja Petra also will fuel further speculation about the integrity of the judicial process in the Altantuya trial. Far from convincing the public that the case has been given a fair hearing, such actions only strengthen the people's suspicion of the judiciary and the executive. We believe that the judicial process must be allowed to run its full course but we also firmly believe that the use of the Sedition Act is being done to protect narrow political interests. In an environment where public perception of the police is also very low, police action against individuals like a blogger only show to the public that the force is also heavily influenced by political leaders.

In the spirit of the coming World Press Freedom Day, we urge the government and the police to recognize the rights of the people to freedom of expression. We call upon the police to stop harassing bloggers and the government to repeal the Sedition Act.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free, where all people enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.

Ends

Issued by

Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director, CIJ

and
Wong Chin Huat
Chair, WAMI

For more information, please contact Wai Fong at 03 40230772