Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) is blaming the government for "permitting" police to question four university students over their involvement in relation to activist Fahmi Reza’s Kelas Demokrasi.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, police seized DAP leader Sheikh Omar Bagharib Ali’s phone over his response to those who called him "anjing Cina" (Chinese dog) during the 15th general election.
In the Kelas Demokrasi case, police questioned four students from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) on why they attended the event and if they knew who organised it.
Fahmi’s Kelas Demokrasi was an online-turned-physical-tour where the artist went to several universities to teach youths the basics of electoral politics.
LFL director Zaid Malek in a statement today, said it was appalling that the students were questioned, adding that political activism and creating democratic awareness are not crimes.
"We are particularly disappointed that this is happening under a government led by the ‘reformist’ Anwar Ibrahim and the Pakatan Harapan political coalition.
"Where are the promises of yesteryears?" Zaid (above) added.
He called on Harapan and Anwar to keep their electoral promise to safeguard free speech and intervene in the matter.
"We urge the new government and prime minister Anwar to uphold civil liberties and give the necessary policy directives to the enforcement bodies," he said.
Zaid also wants the police to stop investigations into Fahmi's classes.
Previously, LFL had criticised Anwar for allegedly ordering police to investigate his critics, saying it was an abuse of power.
Anwar has denied doing so, saying criticism against the prime minister and government was allowed under a democracy.
Sheikh Omar under probe
Meanwhile, in the Sheikh Omar case - the DAP central executive committee leader - said he was investigated over a Facebook post on Nov 5.
Earlier that day, during the nomination process, BN supporters had shouted "anjing Cina" at Sheikh Omar - who was contesting for the Ayer Hitam seat held by MCA president Wee Ka Siong.
The DAP candidate later posted on Facebook, denouncing racial politics and asked whether BN supporters could accept it if he called them "Umno Malays who are MCA Chinese's dogs".
When contacted, Sheikh Omar said several police reports had been lodged over the post and that he was being investigated under the Communications and Multimedia Act.
He added that the police seized his phone as part of the investigation.
The DAP man assured that he would fully cooperate with the probe. - Mkini
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