NGOs claim cops trying to suppress solidarity gathering for activist probed over royal remarks

Civil society groups and environmental justice defenders have accused the police of employing “intimidation tactics” allegedly aimed at preventing a planned solidarity gathering for activist Shakila Zen.

Malaysiakini previously reported that Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (Kuasa) member Shakila (above) is being probed over a May 10 social media post, in which she is suspected of defaming the Pahang royal institution by linking it to sand mining activities.

While Shakila was initially summoned to provide her statement at the Pekan district police headquarters on Aug 7, the investigating officer for the case later contacted her and her lawyer on Aug 3 to propose changing the date to Aug 5.

After discussions with her lawyer, Zaid Malek, the date was maintained on Aug 7, but the location for the procedure was moved to the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters.

In a joint statement endorsed by a total of 19 organisations, the groups said efforts to organise a solidarity gathering were then made, with logistical preparations arranged for the gathering to take place in Petaling Jaya.

“However, on Aug 4, Shakila’s lawyer was informed that the investigating officer decided that the statement would be taken at the Pekan district police headquarters again, despite the earlier agreement on changing the location.

“We view these changes in the investigation process as an intimidation tactic against Shakila and our struggle to demand environmental justice in the nation.

“Shakila has provided her full cooperation, but she is being toyed with through attempts to complicate the statement-taking process, seemingly aimed at crippling the planned solidarity event,” the groups said in their statement last night. 

As such, they demanded an explanation from the police regarding the issue, which they noted has affected the logistical preparations for Shakila, her husband, lawyers, as well as members of the public planning to attend the show of solidarity.

“We cannot allow a culture of intimidation and silencing to become normal in a development process based on principles of environmental democracy. 

“The people’s voice in the struggle for environmental justice should not be treated as a crime. Defending the environment is not an offence,” they stressed.

The statement was backed by, among others, Kuasa, the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, Bersih, Mandiri, Suaram, Greenpeace Malaysia, and Suara Mahasiswa Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

Malaysiakini has contacted Petaling Jaya and Pekan police for their comments and is awaiting a response.

Police should be transparent, professional

Semambu assemblyperson Chan Chun Kuang had also expressed solidarity for Shakila, arguing that while authorities have a right to investigate, the probe should be conducted in a fair, transparent, and professional manner to preserve public confidence in the justice system.

He said the case also raised broader questions about democratic space, freedom of expression, and the protection of individuals advocating for issues of public interest.

Shakila is being probed under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which specifies that the punishment for criminal defamation is imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Police are also utilising Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which concerns the improper use of network facilities and provides for a maximum one-year jail term or a maximum RM50,000 fine for a first-time offence.

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