Selangor Perikatan Nasional liaison secretary Dr Afif Bahardin believes it is “hypocritical and oppressive” for the government to use Section 124 of the Penal Code against former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Referring to reports that police are investigating Mahathir for alleged “activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy”, Afif (above) said the move was a gross disrespect and intimidation against an elder statesperson.
“Section 124B is clearly an oppressive, undemocratic provision which allows long-term detention without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
“Pakatan Harapan leaders repeatedly condemned it over the years when they were in opposition.
“Now in power, they are singing a different tune,” said Afif who defected from PKR to Bersatu in the aftermath of the Sheraton Move.
“It is now highly hypocritical of the very same Harapan leaders including Anwar Ibrahim to condone and keep silent on the usage of this law against a senior opposition leader.
“How many more opposition leaders are going to be targeted under this repressive law in the run-up to the coming crucial six state elections?” he asked.
Afif also cited the previous vociferous condemnation of Section 124B in November 2016 when then-Bersih leader Maria Chin Abdullah was arrested and held for 11 days in detention under the act.
“This section is an affront to parliamentary democracy and the fundamental liberties laid down in the Federal Constitution.
“We call upon the Umno-Harapan government to learn how to take even harsh criticism and deal with dissenting views in a democratic fashion,” said the former Seberang Jaya state assemblyperson.
He reminded the government of the pledge to uphold fundamental liberties and bring institutional reform to the country. - Mkini
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