Bersih chairperson Thomas Fann is set to be quizzed tomorrow over the NGO's call for the public to attend a protest called "Turun Ke Jalan: Demokrasi Mati" (Take to the Streets: Democracy's Dead) at Dataran Merdeka on Feb 29.

In a statement today, Bersih said Fann is being investigated under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA).

His investigation was said to be in relation to a posting on Bersih's official Facebook page urging citizens unhappy with the betrayal of the people's mandate brought about by the "Sheraton Move" to attend the protest.

"Fann will present himself at the IPD Dang Wangi to be questioned on July 7 at 11am. He will be accompanied by a lawyer when he gives his statement to the police," said Bersih.

The NGO also reminded the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government that the right to peaceful assembly as well the right to free speech, expression, and association is enshrined under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.

"It should also be noted that our call for people to join peaceful protests was well before the movement control order (MCO) was implemented (on March 17)," it added.

"We regret that under the new PN government of Muhyiddin Yassin, the era of political intimidation and silencing of dissent that was so common under BN seems to have returned in full force," said Bersih.

It highlighted that apart from Fann (below), in recent weeks others have been similarly called in for questioning.

Bersih gave examples of recent police investigations including founding director of Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), Cynthia Gabriel, for a press statement entitled "Anti-corruption will never purify the unelected Perikatan Nasional government".

It also highlighted cases including Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh for a Twitter message, Muar MP Syed Saddiq for his TV interview on Al Jazeera, activist Siti Kasim for a Facebook posting, and journalist Tashny Sukumaran for reporting the crackdown on undocumented migrants during the MCO.

The NGO also addressed the charging of well-known disc jockey and actor Patrick Teoh on June 14 under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communication and Multimedia Act (CMA) for allegedly making an insulting Facebook post about royalty with the "intention to hurt the feelings of others".

Another incident cited by Bersih was that of book publisher Gerakbudaya being raided by the police over a book cover with an image that resembles the national coat of arms.

"Bersih views such restrictions on fundamental liberties as symptomatic of an insecure government who has not established its own legitimacy after the political coup that took place four months ago.

"Till today, Muhyiddin has denied Parliament the opportunity to affirm his claim that his government commands the support of the majority of MPs," said Bersih.

It called on all Malaysians to stand in solidarity with all those who are being intimidated and to defend fundamental liberties that are guaranteed by our Federal Constitution.

Meanwhile, Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah (above) said she was disappointed that the government has continued to intimidate and arrest activists based on flimsy excuses of differing views.

"There is no need for the investigation and the police should cancel the probe against Fann.

"The intimidation can only be perceived as attempts to reinstate the culture of fear through the use of broadly worded laws to haul activists, ordinary citizens and politicians for their postings on social media," she added.

Maria then urged the government to continue its effort in pushing for the establishment of Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

"The police, as well as the Home Ministry, seemingly have no qualms in violating our Federal Constitution that protects freedom of speech.

"It is therefore imperative that in the coming Parliament sitting the IPCMC be brought back to be tabled and implemented so that we can have a reformed police force that respects human rights and democracy," she said.

Meanwhile, Selayang MP William Leong called on Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador to look into the matter.

"The investigation does not appear to be in compliance with the intention and objective of the act (PAA) but appears to be harassment, intimidation and attempt to prevent citizens from voicing their grievances," he said.

"Such action by the police must cease immediately. (This is because) the act was intended to promote these fundamental freedoms and allow citizens to express their concerns over issues in a peaceful and democratic manner.

"The notification required under the act is to enable the police and authorities to facilitate the assembly, protect public safety, to prevent any possible disorders by irresponsible parties to disrupt the citizen’s exercise of their lawful rights of protests or demonstration," added Leong.

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