Police ruining own image with raids on critics, says Anwar

 

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says it is not proper to enforce controversial laws when the country is dealing with a health crisis and an Emergency.

PETALING JAYA: Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has reminded the police that the force is ruining its own image by conducting raids on critics.

In a statement following a police raid on an independent film network’s office and the questioning of its founders over an animated film on police violence, Anwar said the raid reeked of authoritarian tendencies.

Anwar, who is PKR president, said that it was not proper to enforce controversial laws at a time when the country was dealing with a health crisis and an Emergency.

“Over-reliance on such laws as the Communications and Multimedia Act (1998) becomes inappropriate and unbecoming when used to suppress artists, journalists, or activists whose motivation should be in line with the police and all other elements of Malaysia’s society in building a better nation,” he said.

He said such “questionable actions” sully the image of the otherwise outstanding members of Malaysia’s police.

“And often it backfires with unintended consequences, particularly when Malaysians are dealing with the effects of the pandemic.”

Yesterday, police raided the office of Freedom Film Network (FFN), just an hour after its co-founder Anna Har and cartoonist Amin Landak were questioned at Bukit Aman over their animated film which details alleged torture in police custody.

Amin’s home in Wangsa Maju was also raided.

Har and Amin are being investigated for defamation and improper use of network facilities.

Their four-minute animated film, titled “Chilli Powder & Thinner”, is said to be based on the testimony of a 16-year-old boy who has alleged that he was beaten up by police along with two others after their arrest.

Earlier today, the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, said the police probe went against freedom of expression which is enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

The investigation and raid on FFN, it said, would impede efforts to promote human rights, good governance, accountability and transparency in Malaysia.

“These are fundamental elements of a democracy, which are already dangerously under threat given the current state of emergency,” it said, adding that media censorship would further erode the country’s “fragile state of democracy”. - FMT