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Dec 14 marks solidarity with Anwar, protest against injustices

On Dec 14, the Federal Court will deliver its verdict on the application by Anwar Ibrahim for a review over his conviction. This represents the last step of any legal challenges in the Malaysian judiciary system. If the Federal Court rejects the application, it means Anwar will have to serve his full term in jail, ie he will not be released before June 2018.

Anwar’s legal team has worked hard to present a sound and credible defence for Anwar. However Anwar’s conviction is nothing but an outright persecution against legitimate dissent.

Anwar, who led the opposition coalition that gained 52 percent popular support in the last general election, was a major threat to the regime. Despite incarceration, Anwar remains a key factor in the challenge against the Najib Abdul Razak administration.

Anwar has inspired a new generation of Malaysians to acquire the courage to stand up for change, and he will continue to be the icon of the our struggle for democracy and freedom. Anwar’s continuous imprisonment reaffirms that this autocratic government rules not by popular mandate but by oppression.

The embattled prime minister is currently engrossed in too many scandals. He has tightened the grip on power in the face of strong widespread discontent over the rising cost of livelihood and failing economic policies. The people are longing for political leadership to replace the ruling political establishment.

2016 is characterised by the heightened repression against the civil society and the opposition to the PM, even within his own party. In recent weeks, the clampdown has intensified; independent media and writers called by the police for questioning and interrogation. Activists like Maria Chin Abdullah were put under detention and most outrageously anti-terrorist law such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) were abused as tools of crackdown.

Many participants of peaceful assembly were subjected to detention and intimidation. Not to mention, MPs and activists were charged and convicted under various draconian laws.

Dec 14 will be a day of mobilisation, not only marking our solidarity with Anwar but also as a protest against the ongoing injustices. The Najib government is waging a war to crack the rising revolts, he will utilise all his power to secure his shaking throne in Putrajaya. Parti Keadilan Rakyat is mobilising our members and the public to rise up to defend our rights and to fight for change.

The public assembly of Dec 14 is also to sum up the year full of controversy and volatility. Dec 14 may be the last gathering for 2016, but we will receive the new year with a higher spirit in preparation for the bigger struggle.


TIAN CHUA is MP for Batu and a PKR vice-president.

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