LETTER | Article 19 is concerned with the government’s lack of commitment to the people’s right to protest.

On Feb 2, the Dang Wangi district police headquarters investigated 10 individuals under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) for organising the Jan 25 student-led anti-corruption rally.

The ongoing intimidation against the organisers and the participants must end immediately.

Three additional participants have been summoned for questioning at a later date. Two of them are reported to be summoned to a police station in Sabah.

The assembly was held as a continuation to the Dec 31 demonstrations against the appointment of Musa Aman as Sabah governor.

“The government that claims to champion anti-corruption reforms is now investigating those advocating for it. It should listen to the voices of young people rather than intimidate them.

“The right to protest and freedom of expression are fundamental to nation building and must remain accessible to everyone, regardless of political stance, age or identity,” said Article 19 senior Malaysia programme officer Nalini Elumalai.

Three demands

More than 200 people gathered to echo three key demands:

1. The separation of the Attorney-General’s Chambers from the Prime Minister’s Office.

2. Placing the MACC under parliamentary oversight.

3. Enacting the long-awaited Political Financing Act to curb illicit political donations.

These demands reflect pressing governance concerns, particularly in light of a recent series of high-profile corruption cases.

The government’s approach to the right to protest remains inconsistent and deeply alarming.

The investigations occurred after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim publicly urged the youth to reject corruption.

This contradiction highlights the government’s failure to uphold its commitment to fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of expression.

Repeal PAA

If the government is serious about reform, it must end the use of the PAA to stifle protests and take immediate steps to repeal the law.

“The investigation into the rally-goers is nothing more than an attempt to suppress public pressure for reform.

“Issues such as corruption affect everyone in society and should be expected to garner public interest.

“This administration cannot expect to maintain credibility by punishing those calling for transparency and accountability,” said Nalini.

Article 19 urges the government to drop any further investigations into the organisers or participants of the anti-corruption rally and ensure that all individuals can exercise their right to peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.

The author is an international think–do organisation that propels the freedom of expression movement to ensure all people realise the power of their voices.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.