A group of some 30 students took to the Home Ministry to demand the resignation of its minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, following a string of arrests of politicians and activists which they say is politically motivated.
Converging on the ministry's main gate in Putrajaya under the scorching sun, the students took turns to make their case against the newly-minted home minister (left).
"We are called to make a stand following the arrests, beginning with Adam Adli (Abdul Halim).
"Even though there is a new Home minister, the Home Ministry continues to be partisan and as long as this continues, the police will not be independent," said Pro-Mahasiswa representative Abdul Muqit Muhammad.
However, the star at the protest was Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia chief Mohammad Safwan Anang, who was released on bail today after being charged under the Sedition Act 1948 on Wednesday.
"The arrests are politically motivated as only selected people are prosecuted, it tarnishes the professionalism of the Home Ministry and the police force.
"Zahid must resign if he cannot solve this problem. He has abused his power by having the police to engage selective prosecution," Safwan said.
Converging on the ministry's main gate in Putrajaya under the scorching sun, the students took turns to make their case against the newly-minted home minister (left)."We are called to make a stand following the arrests, beginning with Adam Adli (Abdul Halim).
"Even though there is a new Home minister, the Home Ministry continues to be partisan and as long as this continues, the police will not be independent," said Pro-Mahasiswa representative Abdul Muqit Muhammad.
However, the star at the protest was Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia chief Mohammad Safwan Anang, who was released on bail today after being charged under the Sedition Act 1948 on Wednesday.
"The arrests are politically motivated as only selected people are prosecuted, it tarnishes the professionalism of the Home Ministry and the police force.
"Zahid must resign if he cannot solve this problem. He has abused his power by having the police to engage selective prosecution," Safwan said.
'Restore police reputation'
Later, Safwan, together with Abdul Muqit (left), Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam UM president Mohammed Bukhairy Mohammed Sofian and Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Se-Malaysia (Gamis) president Muhamad Azah Safar were allowed into the ministry to submit their memorandum.
Today's rally was organised by students groups Pro-Mahasiswa, Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia and Gerakan Mahasiswa PRU13.
They demanded for the restoration of the police's reputation and the resignation of Zahid, who took office on May 16.
The protest comes in the wake of the arrests of two of their own, namely student activists Adam Adli and Safwan who were charged with sedition over the last two weeks.
Safwan, who had refused bail as a sign of protest when he was charged on May 29, had this morning accepted the bail order this morning, enabling him to join the protest.
Four others, namely former Batu Berendam MP Tamrin Ghafar, PKR vice-president Tian Chua, social activists Haris Ibrahim (from right, in photo) and Hishamuddin Rais were also charged along with Safwan.
All of them were present at the same post-general election forumon May 13, where calls were made for a mammoth rally to protest alleged electoral fraud.
Later, Safwan, together with Abdul Muqit (left), Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam UM president Mohammed Bukhairy Mohammed Sofian and Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam Se-Malaysia (Gamis) president Muhamad Azah Safar were allowed into the ministry to submit their memorandum.Today's rally was organised by students groups Pro-Mahasiswa, Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia and Gerakan Mahasiswa PRU13.
They demanded for the restoration of the police's reputation and the resignation of Zahid, who took office on May 16.
The protest comes in the wake of the arrests of two of their own, namely student activists Adam Adli and Safwan who were charged with sedition over the last two weeks.
Safwan, who had refused bail as a sign of protest when he was charged on May 29, had this morning accepted the bail order this morning, enabling him to join the protest.
Four others, namely former Batu Berendam MP Tamrin Ghafar, PKR vice-president Tian Chua, social activists Haris Ibrahim (from right, in photo) and Hishamuddin Rais were also charged along with Safwan.All of them were present at the same post-general election forumon May 13, where calls were made for a mammoth rally to protest alleged electoral fraud.
'Bigger demo if memo ignored'
Addressing the press after the group re-emerged from the Home Ministry some 15 minutes later, Safwan said the memorandum was received by the safety and public order division assistant secretary Abdul Hafiz.
Safwan (centre, in photo) said the series of sedition charges were aimed at silencing voices speaking out against electoral fraud.
"They (authorities) are trying to cover up the allegations of electoral fraud by creating a distraction through these charges.
"I have received hundreds of messages during my detention to come out and continue our struggle, and I agreed to stand with the people.
"I will not stand down and (will) continue our struggle," he said.
Abdul Muqit, meanwhile, said the group will continue to pressure the ministry for a response to their memorandum.
"If they refuse to respond, then we will call on the rakyat to hold a bigger protest," he said.
Addressing the press after the group re-emerged from the Home Ministry some 15 minutes later, Safwan said the memorandum was received by the safety and public order division assistant secretary Abdul Hafiz.
Safwan (centre, in photo) said the series of sedition charges were aimed at silencing voices speaking out against electoral fraud."They (authorities) are trying to cover up the allegations of electoral fraud by creating a distraction through these charges.
"I have received hundreds of messages during my detention to come out and continue our struggle, and I agreed to stand with the people.
"I will not stand down and (will) continue our struggle," he said.
Abdul Muqit, meanwhile, said the group will continue to pressure the ministry for a response to their memorandum.
"If they refuse to respond, then we will call on the rakyat to hold a bigger protest," he said.
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