SABM Melbourne says that arrests of opposition leaders and democracy activists unhelpful.

Press Release May 30, 2013

SABM Melbourne says that arrests of opposition leaders and democracy activists unhelpful.

Praveen Nagappan, President of the Melbourne chapter of Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM Melbourne), today described the arrests of opposition leaders and democracy activists under colonial-era sedition laws as unhelpful.

“After all, a number of people on the government side have made inflammatory and hurtful remarks but the Malaysian government has taken no action”, said Mr Nagappan.

“In fact, the Prime Minister, Najib Razak only last year promised to repeal the Sedition Act, which was introduced during British colonial rule, and replace it with new laws that ensure both free expression and public peace”, said Mr Nagappan.

“The arrests will not deal with the root cause of public tension which is deep concern about the conduct of the 13th general election. The Malaysian government should instead use this opportunity to reconstitute the Election Commission with eminent persons who have the confidence of the public.”

“This would help to build a fresh start and address the concerns of the public including cleaning up the electoral roll and redrawing the electoral constituencies. It will also help build national reconciliation, something that the Government has indicated that it would like to promote to help heal the racial and political divisions that have sparked in the wake of the 13th general election”, said Mr Nagappan. 

Praveen Nagappan 
President, SABM Melbourne

Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) Melbourne is a group of like-minded Malaysians who have come together with the intention of promoting improved electoral governance in Malaysia.

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