‘Govt can’t use force to interpret history’

Oslo-based Armed For the Quill says the charge against Mat Sabu violates the rights to freedom of thought.

PETALING JAYA: An international NGO promoting freedom of speech, Armed For the Quill (AFTQ), has jumped on the bandwagon in telling the government off for charging PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu in court with criminal defamation.

“The government cannot force its interpretation about any historical event on anybody.

“This is because such action is denying the people freedom of thought and expression,” AFTQ’s Southeast Asian regional head and Malaysian representative, Shaharul Anwar Shafie, said in a press statement yesterday.

The Oslo-based NGO sees the charge against the PAS leader as an attempt to deny the right of speech and expression on matters that have room for interpretation and dispute.

Popularly known as Mat Sabu, he was charged at the Butterworth Sessions Court yesterday with allegedly defaming several police personnel and their families, who defended themselves during a Communist attack led by Mat Indera on the Bukit Kepong police station, Muar, Johor, on Feb 23, 1950.

Mat Sabu is alleged to have committed the offence during a public speech at Tasek Gelugor, Penang, between 10pm and 12 midnight on Aug 21.

Mat Sabu was charged under Section 500 of the Penal Code with criminal defamation but pleaded not guilty and posted a RM15,000 bail.

Shaharul said that debates and historical facts must be welcomed because history evolves based on new study modes, information and observation.

He also said the issue, if handled properly, would be beneficial to the government as it would earn brownie points.

“If the government can show some level of great wisdom and seriousness in dealing with democratic reforms, the Malaysian government will continue to be held in high esteem by its citizens.”

‘Inconsistencies giving government bad name’

Shaharul also said that the inconsistencies in government’s actions only served to tarnish its reputation.

“Unfortunately, in regard to the current issues, such inconsistent action will continue to give the government a bad name…

“The government has continued to upset the people for acting against the promises made.”

Shaharul also shared the concerns of 47 local NGOs over the charge against Mat Sabu, saying it conflicts with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s Malaysia Day message of openness and transparency in democratic practices.

He agreed with the NGOs’ suggestion for a televised debate on the Bukit Kepong issue.

He also said that Section 500 of the Penal Code should be reviewed as it must not be seen by the people as a way for the government to only act in the interest of the party and not for country.

Shaharul added that the public is viewing the charge against Mat Sabu as a “political action, revenge, and a violation of the rights guaranteed under the Federal Constitution”.