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
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.