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Please Give Malaysians Opportunities To Have Peaceful Assemblies Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the detention of three Keadilan (Justice Party) leaders on 14.4.2000 and the arrest of 46 people on 15.4.2000 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 16 April 2000 | |||||||
| On 14 April 2000, the first anniversary of the sentencing to imprisonment of the former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, three Keadilan (Justice Party) leaders were detained, followed by the arrest of 46 people gathered along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, the following day. The Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad commented that the action taken by the Government to prevent riots from breaking out was done in the interest of the majority of the people. "What is the point of having a Government if it cannot defend the rights of the majority of the people who do not want riots and demonstrations?" the Prime Minister asked. Have these people been give a chance to show that they want peaceful assembly? If the assembly is truly non-violent, will the police allow it? We are against riots and violent demonstrations. In peacetime, we must use peaceful methods to deal with things including dissent, disafffection and discontent. Can we reconcile the value of freedom with the restrictions in a society? There ought to be a balance. | |
Some forms of restrictions do not mean that freedom is completely sacrificed. On the eve of the above-stated assembly, the Prime Minister, his Deputy and the police had already branded it as violent, giving stern warnings. Presumably they had gathered intelligence reports, knowing things very much in advance. How is it that Barisan Nasional, BN, the National Front, the ruling coalition, especailly UMNO has been holding huge rallies and the police allow them. Does this signify that only BN can hold peaceful gatherings? Can other Malaysians such as Barisan Alternative, BA, the Alternative Front, not do the same thing? Is it not possible for them to love peace? A main responsibility of the police is to maintain peace and security. In maintaining peace and security, the police should be without fear or favour. In the New Millennium, the Government must review the ways with which it gives Malaysians the opportunities to gather peacefully and to express their opinions and feelings without jeopardising other people. There will be a more open and more democratic society.
Dr Tan Seng Giaw | |||||
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