CIJ views the arrest of Sheih, under the Sedition Act, as another act of intimidation by the police and the state against those who are vocal critics of the federal government, which is struggling to retain its hold on power in the wake of the current political uncertainties in the country.

On September 17, 2008, police arrested Sheih, who owns the blog "Kickdefella", at his home in the northern peninsular state of Kelantan and subsequently remanded him. The blogger was reportedly being arrested and investigated for publishing an image of the national flag upsidedown, which the 38-year-old said was in protest of the current government's leadership and rampant corruption. Sheih had called on other like-minded bloggers to do the same. He was reportedly brought to the police headquarters in the capital Kuala Lumpur for interrogation. If found guilty, he may be imprisoned for up to three years, or fined a maximum of RM5,000, or both.

This is the fourth arrest since September 12, of civilians under draconian laws that were apparently invoked in reaction to their exercising of their right to free expression. CIJ condemns the arrests as they violate the convention of a democratic nation where members of the public are the foremost stakeholders of a nation. As such, freedom of expression is a cherished right of the people, that the state should actively protect. However, the government has time and again restricted and violated this right whenever their interests and security are threatened.

The series of arrests is another testimony against the public perception that the administration of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had allowed more freedom of expression to take root. It demonstrates that the systems and structures of control are very much intact, for use and abuse by the Executive.

CIJ reiterates its call for a review of the systems that suppresses the people's right to free expression. In particular, the ISA, Sedition Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Official Secrets Act should be repealed.

CIJ calls on the government to immediately release Sheih, as well as the two others still detained. CIJ believes that no one should be criminalised for voicing their opinion critically in a democratic society.

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

For more information, please contact Wai Fong at 03 40230772.