Press Statement: EO Detention of PSM six an act of cruelty

By admin on July 29th, 2011

I view with great concern the circumstances in which Dr Jeyakumar has had little choice but to voice his protest through a hunger strike. I would like to respond to the Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar’s claims that the six PSM members detained under the Emergency Ordinance are being “well taken care of”. This is another lie by the authorities. I urge that the six, including Sungai Siput MP Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, be released immediately and unconditionally.

Today is the 35^th day the PSM six are behind bars, including the initial 7 day remand in Penang. Their detention is unnecessary, unreasonable, unjustified, and cruel. The many allegations that have been raised directly or through insinuation by the authorities include (1) plotting to wage war on the YDP Agong, (2) planning to revive Communism in Malaysia, (3) threatening the position of Islam, (4) intending to pose a threat to public order during the July 9 Bersih Rally, and (5) being prime movers of an illegal organisation called “Bersih”.

There is no factual basis for any of the above accusations. The detention of the PSM 6 is political in nature. The Police should stop imagining things. The Police must also accept that the outpour of public support indicate people no longer find their actions credible. I reiterate, the detention of the PSM six is a cruel, cruel act by the Police and the government. Where is Ismail Omar’s conscience? I wouldn’t be surprised, after this, if he further claims that the EO detention is an act of kindness. After all, didn’t the Police once justify the ISA detention of a reporter by saying that locking her up was to protect her?

The detention of the PSM six is inhumane; it is symbolic of a government’s wicked agenda against its own citizens. Denying the PSM six their freedoms and subjecting them to questionable practices, including supposed polygraph tests, are not acts of kindness. Forcing detainees to sign statements they don’t understand is not kind. There is no kindness in going back on promises for family visitations. Severely limiting access to legal counsel is not an act of kindness. These are malicious actions by a ruling class hell-bent on preserving political power. PM Najib orders that no one should try to question whether his government is democratic. The continued detention of the PSM six is a clear example for all to see. Detention without trial is a form of torture, a violation of basic human rights and Malaysian constitutional rights to freedom. I demand the PSM six be released immediately.

Chow Kon Yeow
Member of Parliament, Tanjong.
Penang State Exco Member and State Assemblyperson, Padang Kota.
Penang DAP State Chairman

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