Suaram slams police presence at Bersih's presser

Suaram has slammed police presence outside the Bersih headquarters as the electoral watchdog held a press conference calling for reforms yesterday.

The human rights group’s executive director Sevan Doraimsamy, in a statement today, echoed Bersih’s remark in calling the incident intimidation.

“10 police officers, two police trucks, and a number of police motorcycles stationed outside Bersih’s office for a mere press conference calling for faithful implementation of long-promised reforms.

“This is not upholding public order. On the contrary, it is sheer, condemnable intimidation.

“Does this mean that netizens criticising the Pardons Board decision will follow suit, by having their posts deleted, social media accounts monitored, or even worse, investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998?” Sevan asked.

Yesterday, Bersih decried alleged police intimidation after officers were spotted stationed at their headquarters following a press conference.

‘Triple betrayal’

Elaborating, Sevan asked whether Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail or Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were aware of the police monitoring the press conference.

He further lamented the “targeting” of former Damansara MP Tony Pua, who was recently questioned by the police over remarks on the Pardons Board’s decision to reduce former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s jail sentence.

According to Sevan, both incidents showed the government’s inability to accept constructive criticism, dissent, or even discontent.

“Through these tactics, the government has committed a triple betrayal: on top of failing to defend its fight against corruption and justice, it has also contravened its duty to uphold the basic human rights of all, especially those seeking public transparency and accountability.

“This derailment from the values and spirit of reforms has gone far enough and should be immediately rectified. On this note, Suaram unequivocally demands the government to fully protect the right to freedom of expression and actively refrain from intimidation, harassment, and any form of reprisal against all persons who exercise this fundamental freedom.”

Last Friday, the Pardons Board announced its decision to halve Najib’s jail time from 12 years to six.

It also reduced the fine on the former prime minister from RM210 million to RM50 million.

Najib was locked up in Kajang Prison after being convicted in the RM42 million SRC International corruption case.

The 12-year sentence and conviction were meted out by the High Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal and Federal Court.

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