Think of the ROOT CAUSES behind youths' action, Suaram tells govt

The desecration of pictures of government leaders should prompt the authorities to think about the root causes of such acts, said a rights activist.

SUARAM coordinator Ahmad Syukri Abd Razab said the factors contributing to several incidents that took place during the celebration of Merdeka on the eve of August 31 should be studied.

"The government must consider why they acted in such extreme manner. Are protests and shouts not enough that they had to step on the leaders' portraits? The government should think about this," he said.

Earlier today, a 19-year old girl from Johor surrendered to police who had been trying to nab several individuals photographed stepping on pictures of prime minister Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor during the Janji Demokrasi celebration at Dataran Merdeka on August 30.

Yesterday, a college student was arrested and later released on bail for flashing his butt over Najib's photograph.

While disagreeing with their actions, Ahmad Syukri however said they reflected extreme frustration among the youths who felt that their demands were being sidelined.

He however said the authorities should exercise fairness when taking action against the youths.

Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng had earlier questioned why there was inaction from the police against members of UMNO offshoot Perkasa who held a demonstration outside his office by stepping on his portrait, as well as against those who carried out a mock funeral outside his house.

Echoing this, Johor DAP deputy chief Norman Fernandez also asked why more serious acts by others had gone unpunished.

“Why must (the police) charge her when there are more serious incidents - such as urinating on (Kelantan Menteri Besar) Nik Abdul Aziz (Nik Mat)'s photo, hanging up a garlanded photo of (Penang Chief Minister) Lim Guan Eng and burning of (Bersih co-chairperson) S Ambiga's photograph?" he told Malaysiakini.

-Harakahdaily