NEW IGP NEEDED! Student body flays Khalid for DOUBLE STANDARDS

Mahasiswa Ganyang condemns the double standards observed by the Royal Malaysian Police.

In 2014 alone, the use of Sedition Act reached an all time record- 44 individuals being investigated, charged or convicted for statement said or published. Only two days ago, Eric Paulsen was charged under Section 4(1)(C) of the Sedition Act for criticising a government agency.

A direct inference can be drawn between the different treatment towards the likes of Eric Paulsen and of late, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri, who urged for Malays to boycott Chinese traders.

Eric Paulsen was arrested on the evening of the 12th of January at Brickfields, despite giving word to cooperate for a statement to be taken on the 13th of January. Not only that, an auxiliary of about 15 policemen was deployed to arrest the human rights lawyer.

Contrast with the treatment given to Datuk Seri Ismail, it is evident a double standard approach is exercised by the police. Not only did the Minister successfully excused himself from the date originally scheduled for statement recording, it was also reported yesterday that the police could only record the Minister's statement next week due to his busy schedule. This is a case of the police cooperating with the Minister instead of the other way round.

Selective Prosecution

IGP Khalid

With regards to the IGP's decision to investigate the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister under Section 505 of the Penal Code, Mahasiswa Ganyang would like to point out that the IGP has proven to all Malaysians that the Penal Code suffices. In the first place, there was no need for any of the past Sedition Act victims to be arrested or investigated under the Sedition Act.

In October last year, the founder of Mahasiswa Ganyang has also pointed out that the situations the Sedition Act claims to safeguard, is in fact in the Penal Code. (http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=380732:ive-been-called-pendatang-cina-babi-all-my-life-but-the-sedition-act-is-still-irrelevant-to-me-so-whats-ibrahim-alis-grouse?&Itemid=2#axzz3QzoPs2nZ).

So why is it when it comes to government critics, the Sedition Act is used, but when it comes to a Minister, the Penal Code is opted? As a body supposedly protecting the interest and safety of the people, the police's independence should be top priority.

Abolish the Sedition Act

The Sedition Act is not the answer to maintain or promote unity, peace and harmony. These double standards embraced by the police force proves nothing less than a political ploy by the ruling government to intimidate and silence critics.

Mahasiswa Ganyang demands that the police act fairly without fear or favour. We again reiterate our call for the government to repeal the Sedition Act immediately, drop all sedition charges, and have no replacement Acts with similar draconian provisions.

Adrian Lim is a student activist and part of the Mahasiswa Ganyang movement