Probing activists over Sosma memo a waste of time, says Suaram

 

The activists submitted a memorandum calling for the release of Sosma detainees.

PETALING JAYA: Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) has criticised as a waste of time and money the police action in calling six people to be investigated under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

These six had submitted a memorandum to lawmakers outside Parliament on Dec 20 calling for the release of several detainees under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said there was no need for the police to call up these six activists.

“There were many police officers there on Dec 20 and they recorded what took place.

“They could have just referred to the recording. Why is there a need to investigate and waste our time?” he told reporters when met at the Dang Wangi police station today after he had his statement recorded.

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) deputy chairman S Arutchelvan said police should only investigate if they received complaints from the public or if there was any destruction of public property during the submission of the memorandum.

“A representative from the home minister’s office received our memorandum at that time. Does this mean that the minister is colluding with us?

“To us, this is a waste of time and this practice should stop unless there was damage to public property. Everything was done peacefully that day,” he said.

Suaram coordinator Wong Yan Ke, reminded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government not to forget about freedom of assembly.

“This is the first time since the new government came to power that we have been called to give our statement. We would like to remind the prime minister that he too has joined in many gatherings before.

“So, he should not forget his ‘reformasi’ history,” Wong said.

The other three called to have their statements recorded were Suaram coordinator Azura Nasron, a family member of a Sosma detainee named Ranjit Kumar, and Kuala Lumpur MIC Youth chief Andrew David.

On Dec 20, the six had submitted a memorandum to home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail outside Parliament calling for the release of Sosma detainees.

Also present were Pakatan Harapan lawmakers such as Klang MP V Ganabatirau, Batu MP P Prabakaran, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, Raub MP Chow You Hui, Bakri MP Tan Hong Pin and Miri MP Chiew Choong Man. - FMT