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MP: Ban on Bersih T-shirts an abuse of power
Published:  Aug 29, 2015 11:54 AM
Updated: 6:33 PM

Prohibition order against Bersih 4 clothing and publications is unlawful and an abuse of power, said Padang Serai MP N Surendran.

He said the order issued by Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is irrational, unlawful, in breach of the constitution and a gross abuse of executive power.

"The minister claims that Bersih 4 materials are publications that prejudice public order, security or national interest. This is an obviously unreasonable conclusion by the minister.

"Bersih is a coalition peacefully campaigning for clean elections and good governance using means such as public rallies which is allowed under the federal constitution and the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA)," he said in a statement today.

Surendran ( photo ), who is a lawyer, said there is no basis in fact, law or logic to claim that such a coalition is acting in a manner prejudicial to the national interest.

"Therefore the minister has acted beyond his powers, and thus unlawfully, in issuing the prohibition order.

"In fact, this ministerial order appears to be a backdoor attempt to circumvent the PAA, by attempting to frustrate the rally planned for today by prohibiting Bersih T-shirts and other paraphernalia.

He urged the minister and government to immediately revoke or not enforce this unjust and oppressive prohibition order.

"Instead the government must do all it can to facilitate this great and iconic peaceful rally, which has become a global phenomenon," Surendran said.

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