We stand in solidarity with the 31 individuals arrested and compounded during a candlelight vigil held last night for Covid-19 victims at Dataran Merdeka.
Freedom of expression and assembly are fundamental rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and essential in ensuring government efficiency and accountability. These rights must be protected and upheld.
The ability to peacefully scrutinize the actions of the leaders of the day is important to cultivate better responses to the crisis.
The arrest of young people who participated in the peaceful vigil is a clear abuse of power in contravention with Article 10 (1)(b) of the Federal Constitution. We believe young people have the right to let their voices be heard beyond the ballot box.
We are deeply concerned that the use of these policies is not applied in an equal manner but have been weaponized against individuals and civil societies selectively. These intimidatory tactics impedes the right of protestors to peacefully assemble and erodes the public trust in authoritative institutions that are supposed to preserve rule of law.
Bait Al Amanah calls upon the setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). The IPCMC must be an independent body that possesses the authority to investigate complaints against police officers, prevent police from taking egregious actions against people, and enforce disciplinary action on police misconduct.
The formation of the IPCMC is pertinent to restore trust, integrity and accountability back in PDRM.
We also commend the passion and dedication of Malaysian civil societies, and their capability in organizing such peaceful and safe protests. In our attempt to build a better Malaysia, we must start by empowering our new generation leaders not silencing them.
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