Human rights watchdog Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) condemned the arrest of 21 individuals in the police crackdown on the May Day march on Sunday.

“Police have denied the rights of the rakyat to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by Article 10 of the constitution. It is also a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

NONE The NGO argued that section 27 of the Police Act, which gave police the power to unilaterally approve or disapprove permits for public gatherings, is a direct violation of the constitutional guarantee.

Suaram cited the report by the 2005 royal commission on police conduct and procedures that spoke of police ineffectiveness in managing permit issuance for public assemblies.

The organisation alleged that the police will not issue permits to activities that criticise the BN government, instead it becomes a tool to ensure that pro-government activities are allowed and continue to help shore up the ruling coalition’s hegemony.

Suaram also questioned the professionalism of police and their conduct unbecoming of their station as officers of the law, during the event.

azlan It cited how police forced detained activists to take off their shirts in the open and how the arresting officers refused to show their authority cards and the use of intimidation which they called “uncivilised”.

Suaram also cried foul over police re-arresting PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan, one of those arrested during the May Day march, over a 15-year-old robbery charge after he was released on bail.