PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian activist and two Ukrainian nationals were questioned by police today for participating in a candlelight vigil to show solidarity with Ukraine.
Ukrainian Lidiya Murugan, 39, told reporters that they were called in to the Dang Wangi police station to provide statements.
“We are here to cooperate with police investigations and provide statements. We thank the police for doing their job,” said Lidiya, who has been living in Malaysia for more than a decade.
“We hope the police will understand our situation,” she said.
Activist Wong Yan Ke, who was also called in by police to record his statement, was accompanied by his counsel, Rajsurian Pillai.
Wong urged foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah to walk the talk regarding Malaysia’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I urge the minister to step in and call off the police investigations,” he said.
“Malaysia has joined some 140 other countries in voting for a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly condemning Russia for its attack on Ukraine.
“Why are the police now investigating participants of the vigil? Does this mean that Malaysia has changed its position?” asked Wong, who is also coordinator for rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram).
He said that Ukrainians in Malaysia should be treated with empathy instead of being investigated for standing up for their homeland.
Lawyer Shugan Raman, who represented Lidiya, said that they were being investigated under Sections 4(1)(a) and 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act as well as the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Regulations 2021.
On March 5, Ukrainians gathered for a candlelight vigil at Dataran Merdeka to show solidarity with their homeland and its people after Russian forces attacked their country.
More than 50 people joined in the vigil, lighting candles and carrying placards calling for “Peace for Ukraine” and “Hands off Ukraine”. - FMT
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