|
Friday, 12 September 2008 |
The Centre for Independent (CIJ) and Writers Alliance (WAMI) condemn
the arrest of prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin under the
Internal Security Act (ISA) as well as the threats issued against the
media. A series of actions in the period of two days - the arrest, show
cause letters issued to two dailies and an opposition monthly, and the
ban on a documentary on religion - suggest that the Barisan Nasional
government is poised to unleash a crackdown on the media and critics in
a bid to hold on to power.
Malaysiakini.com reported that Raja Petra Kamaruddin was
detained at his house in Sungai Buloh at 1:30pm by ten police officers
who refused to provide a reason for his arrest. On the same day, Suara Keadilan, dailies Sin Chew and the Sun
were issued show cause letters to explain why action should not be
taken against them. Sin Chew was warned for its reporting on the UMNO
divisional leader Ahmad Ismail's statements. On September 10, Merdekareview.com
reported that a documentary by private broadcaster NTV7 was banned from
air due to its topic on conversion, following up on the forum
organised by Bar Council last month.
The measures are clearly harsh and bear a disturbing resemblance to
the period in the lead up to the Operasi Lalang in 1987, where more
than a hundred activists, artists, academics and politicians mainly
from the opposition parties were detained under the ISA and four
newspapers were suspended under the Printing Presses and Publications
Act (PPPA). Both incidents are similar in that it relates to ongoing
political crisis within UMNO, but manifested as alleged racial tension
by the government.
CIJ and WAMI condemn the intimidation by the government and are
worried about the consequences it would have on the well being of the
nation. The government has proven the critics right that race relation
is more a convenient political agenda than a concern especially when
its political hegemony is threatened.
We urge the government to consider seriously that should another
1987-like response happens, it will be a blow to the country's nation's
economy and international standing and it will only strengthen the
people's rejection of the ruling Barisan Nasional.
The government should immediately release Raja Petra, retract the
show cause letters and desist from any crackdown on the media, critics
and civil society. It should immediately put in place its reform
process towards a more democractic and just society.
Ends
Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director, CIJ
and
Wong Chin Huat
Chairperson, WAMI
For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 40230772
|
