DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang believes those who deny the people the right to constitutional means of changing the government are the ones guilty of activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.
"It is the people who deny Malaysians the right to peaceful, democratic and constitutional means of changing the government who are the real culprits guilty of violating Section 124B of the Penal Code," Lim said in a statement today.
The Gelang Patah MP also believes it is those who deny others the right to peaceful and constitutional means of changing the elected government of the day who should be the subject of police scrutiny and investigations.
".... Not those who uphold the constitutional right to peaceful and democratic change of government, whether at a general election or in between general elections," he said.
Commenting on the "irresponsible talk" by those in power about plots to topple the government, Lim said there were no such "subversive plots" involving violent or unconstitutional means to topple the prime minister or the government.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( photo ) claimed last Saturday that there was a plot, led by an Umno MP, to topple the government.
Zahid has yet to reveal the identity of the "plotter", only saying that he is an "old man".
"I dare say that after five decades in politics that Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, do not want any violent or unconstitutional change of government.
"Everyone is committed to upholding the fundamental principles of the constitution – which means a change of the elected government only by peaceful, democratic and constitutional means, not just during a general election, but also at times in between general elections as by a vote of no confidence in Parliament," Lim said.
Ensure success of Bersih 4 rally
Meanwhile, Lim's view today comes as he also called on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to help ensure the success of the Bersih 4 rally, slated for Aug 29-30.
"The prime minister should send a clear directive to inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar to facilitate and ensure the success of Bersih 4 to demonstrate to the world the Malaysian government’s respect of the people’s rights to free of expression and peaceful assembly and readiness to listen to the people’s legitimate views and criticisms.
"Bersih 4, and Global Bersih all over the world, will be Malaysia’s 'coming-of-age' as a parliamentary democracy and a message to the world that a self-confident Malaysian democracy has arrived to join the ranks of world democracies," he said.
Lim also pointed out that the government had as much interest as the Bersih organisers and the public to ensure the success of the rally.
"I urge the prime minister to adopt a statesmanlike approach to help ensure the success of Bersih 4 to herald the arrival of Malaysia on the world stage of democracies," he added.
Related reports
I'll never defame Dr M, says ex-SB deputy director
Probe those denying 'our right to change gov't'
Sacked AG officer to file 'explosive' affidavit
S'gor BN rep joins call for white paper on DEIG
Officer in AG’s Chambers terminated, PR revoked
Zeti, Bank Negara must exert independence
Ambiga: M’sians may be cheated of another election
Dr M’s unseat Najib formula too self-serving
Who help fund Mkini? Umno cyber troopers!
AG, be warned as the rakyat are watching
Azmin shouldn’t take page out of PM’s playbook
'Dr M's 'oust Najib' formula doesn't add up'
Najib vows to stop online 'insults, untruths'
