PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has expressed anger over the recent arrests of activists Fahmi Reza and Mukmin Nantang, calling the move excessive use of institutional intimidation in clamping down freedom of expression.
In a statement, Anwar said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government's actions in rolling back freedoms were desperate attempts to stop criticism and for it to cling to power.
"Malaysia has already seen its human rights and press freedom rankings decline under this regime over unchecked abuse of power.
"The government must stop using draconian laws to silence critical views and differing opinions.
"I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the end your right to say it," the Port Dickson MP added, intimating that freedom of speech is a key factor in a democratic society.
Anwar urged Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's administration to carry out its responsibilities to the people instead of stifling their voices.
"I call on the government to listen to the wisdom of the people and work for them, not for yourselves," he said.
The opposition leader was referring to the arrests of artist-activist Fahmi on Friday and seven individuals, including Mukmin, who were nabbed for protesting the extension of an enhanced movement control order (MCO) in Kampung Muhibbah Raya, Tawau, Sabah, on Saturday.
Fahmi was released on Saturday after being questioned in an investigation under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act by the Bukit Aman Classified Criminal Investigation Unit.
Police had applied for a four-day remand but magistrate Nitya Ravindran only granted one day.
Fahmi was detained for compiling a jealousy-themed Spotify playlist that was allegedly insulting to the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Meanwhile, Mukmin was among seven individuals, aged between 27 and 31, who were remanded for two days to facilitate investigations into the obstruction of civil servants from discharging their duties, violating the Covid-19 preventive standard operating procedure and holding an assembly without a permit.
The protest came after the government announced the extension of Kampung Muhibbah Raya's enhanced MCO for another 14 days, from April 25 until May 8.
The activists had complained that with the restriction, the villagers who depend on daily wages cannot fend for themselves particularly without proper assistance from the government.
Their lawyer Raymond Guok told Malaysiakini that they will be released today. - Mkini
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