Siti Kasim On Kampung Sungai Baru Laws Cannot Be Used As A Tool Of Injustice

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PROMINENT lawyer and activist Siti Kasim has cautioned against the misuse of state power in the ongoing controversy surrounding the Kampung Sungai Baru eviction, stressing that legal instruments should never be weaponised against ordinary people.
“Laws and courts cannot be used as a tool of the state to impose or cause injustice to the people, especially people like us,” she said in a statement.
Siti argued that forcing residents out of their homes while related court cases are still pending undermines the rule of law.
“Isn’t it an insult to the courts if the government proceeds with eviction before all appeals are exhausted? What if the residents eventually win their case? Their homes will already be lost, making their fight through the courts meaningless,” she added.
Her remarks come amid heightened tensions after a district police chief was injured during an eviction operation in Kampung Baru earlier this week, sparking condemnations from senior ministers.
Amanah president and Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu also weighed in, warning that violent demonstrations could spiral into chaos if not addressed early.
“If rallies turn into riots, if blood is spilt between the people and security forces, what is the benefit? No one gains, and the nation loses,” he said in a Facebook posting on Friday (Sept 12).
“We do not take to the streets to beat people, nor to fight the police, but to deliver our voices, criticisms, and opinions. That is all,” he added, reminding supporters that protests must remain peaceful and respectful of public order.
Mohamad, who has a long history of activism himself, said he had been arrested several times in the past but never regarded the police as enemies.
“They are just doing their job, and we must respect them for that,” he noted.
He urged demonstrators not to damage property or provoke authorities.
“Don’t touch other people’s belongings, don’t throw stones, and don’t break anything. Even flowerpotsshould not be overturned. If we feel something is wrong, we fight it in the courts,” he further added. —  Focus Malaysia

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