Group Pans Anwar S Hypocrisy Over Police Probe Vows To March On June 28

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Independent youth group Mandiri has slammed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his “hypocritical” stance on youths voicing out against the prevalence of corruption in the nation.
Lamenting the police investigation against Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz over her involvement in an anti-graft rally last month, Mandiri director Wong Kueng Hui highlighted that Anwar had previously called on youths to play an active role in tackling graft.
“Our prime minister said youths should be brave in speaking up to oppose corruption - that’s what we did and will continue to do, but now we’re being called in for investigations.
“This is a form of hypocrisy that we cannot accept,” he said when speaking to reporters outside the Dang Wangi district police headquarters today.
The activist also vowed that another protest scheduled to take place on June 28 will proceed as planned, stressing that youths will continue to do their part to oppose corruption.
“If this (police probing dissent) is a form of intimidation to restrain the voices of the youths, it will not work. We will still take to the streets,” he said.
Wong is believed to have been referring to the upcoming “Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah 2.0” rally organised by Sekretariat Rakyat Benci Rasuah, aimed at urging the government to expedite institutional reforms to combat corruption.
Wong accompanied Amira for her session with police today after she was previously summoned for remarks made during a May 24 rally that called for MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki’s resignation.
Right to free speech
Amira criticised the probe against her as infringing her right to free speech as provided under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
She further raised concerns over whether the rakyat might be subjected to similar police investigations if they air their grievances with the government.
“What guarantee is there that ordinary citizens under Anwar’s administration are allowed to question (government decisions)? Are we moving towards becoming an autocratic nation?
ADS“When we voted for Pakatan Harapan, we hoped that they would be different (from previous administrations), but now we see that they’re just the same, if not worse,” she told reporters.
Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abdul AzizIn a statement, she said the investigation against her was being carried out under Section 504 of the Penal Code on intentional insult to provoke a breach of public peace and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 relating to the misuse of network facilities.
Labelling the latter provision as “Akta Sakit Hati” (Hurt Feelings Act), the Puteri Wangsa assemblyperson also urged the government to impose a moratorium on all investigation papers opened under the Act.
She also called for a detailed timeline for the repeal of the law to be tabled in Parliament.
“Harapan representatives who once fought for the people must not remain silent. You once championed the people’s right to speak, but now you support a government that wants to silence their voices,” she added.
“Akta Sakit Hati” is a name used to mock the Communications and Multimedia Act, particularly Section 233, which critics have accused of being too broad and vaguely defined, facilitating its use against dissidents. - Mkini

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