Burning leaders' images a legit form of protest, LFL says

Summary

• Lawyers for Liberty defends the burning of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s caricature during a UMS student demonstration as a legitimate democratic protest, arguing it should not face prosecution.

• The organisation’s director highlights the irony of government criticism, noting that Anwar participated in similar acts in his activist days, including burning materials related to ex-prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman.

• Former education minister Maszlee Malik urges government leaders to engage with the protesting students rather than pursue punitive measures, calling on former activists now in power to “lower their egos”.

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) defended the burning of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s image at a student demonstration, arguing it is a legitimate democratic protest that should not be prosecuted.

In a statement today, LFL director Zaid Malek reminded government leaders that they did similar things in their activist days.

“It is highly ironic that anyone from this government thinks that they have any leg to stand on to reprimand the actions of the students during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally.

“Are we forgetting that the PM himself led a book burning on a book penned by Tunku Abdul Rahman in the 1970s, when he himself was a student activist?

“What about Adam Adli, current deputy minister… who, as a student activist, lowered the flag bearing the image of then prime minister Najib Razak in front of the Putra World Trade Centre, replacing it with a banner reading ‘Bebaskan Academic Freedom’ back in 2011?” Zaid questioned.

He also reminded the authorities of similar acts by government partner Umno, whose youth wing members burned the Israeli flag in Masjid Jamek in 2023, in a protest against the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

“It is recognised worldwide as a legitimate form of democratic protest. Why then should the burning of the caricature of the prime minister be made an issue amounting to criminal action?

“Is Anwar above criticism? Or do special rules apply to him?” Zaid asked.

He also lamented that instead of focusing on high-level corruption issues highlighted at the rally, the government, its supporters, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) are focusing on the burning.

He said this appears to be a convenient excuse to sidestep the main complaint at the rally, that Anwar’s Madani administration “is closing one eye” on corruption issues involving its political allies in Sabah.

“Instead, the students who demanded stern action by the government on corruption are the ones being investigated. It is as if they are hardened criminals, with the authorities even utilising the draconian Sedition Act on the students for the burning of the caricature.

“We remind these sycophants of those in power that irrespective of their personal views of how the rally was conducted, it does not negate the constitutionally guaranteed right of the participants of the rally to express their views and to peacefully assemble.

“These rights are enshrined within Article 10 of our Constitution and cannot be abrogated simply because a few ‘brown-nosers’ view certain acts as ‘rude’ or ‘immature’.

“What is illegal and unconstitutional is intimidating participants of the rally with disciplinary and criminal action for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of speech,” Zaid added.

Probing rally over 3R, open burning

Participants of Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 are being investigated for nine offences relating to the protest last Saturday (June 21), said Sabah police chief Jauteh Dikun.

Bernama reported Jauteh saying the offences include incitement, open burning in a public area, possession of dangerous or corrosive substances during the rally, and raising sensitive issues involving royalty, religion, and race (3R).

Investigations are being conducted under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, Sedition Act 1948, and Penal Code.

Jauteh said the organisers submitted a notification to the police, as required under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, with the police then responding with 15 conditions for public order.

“Unfortunately, in this case, the organisers failed to comply with the stated conditions. While voicing their concerns is their right, it must be done responsibly and without provocation,” he said.

Lower our egos, ‘Uncle’ Maszlee says

In a statement on Facebook, former education minister Maszlee Malik reminded government leaders of their time protesting and called on them to guide the students.

“To PKR Youth leaders and former PKR Youth members who have been steeped in demonstrations and activism, let us not forget our history, our roots, and the experiences we have lived through.

“These youngsters need guidance and instruction. In my view, the PKR Youth leadership and former activists should go and meet with these young students.

“Lower our egos so that we may humble theirs. We all simply want what is best for the country and its people.

“To you young students, Uncle Maszlee is prepared to meet you all at UMS campus, even in your hostels if need be. Uncle is confident there are many matters we can exchange views on, even though uncle is nobody and holds no position whatsoever,” Maszlee added.

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