Comments from public-interest groups have echoed calls to the Malaysian government to uphold its commitment to keep Internet content free of official control, and to expand press freedom, access to information and the right to free expression.

Women to the fore

On the local front, women’s groups have also come out to voice their support for malaysiakini.

Sisters In Islam, All Women's Action Society, Women's Aid Organisation, Women's Agenda for Change and Women's Development Collective slammed the police action as a "serious violation of freedom of expression".

In a joint press statement today, they said the police could have avoided the drastic action taken by interviewing the editor first.

"Moreover, malaysiakini's management had offered to facilitate police investigation and pointed out that o­nly o­ne computer was used to receive letter from the public," they said.

The women also called on Umno Youth "to develop a culture of challenging ideas with ideas" as an outright violation of the right of expression "will o­nly instil increased misunderstanding and hostility".

Acknowledging that in multiethnic and multireligioius Malaysia, dicussion on issues that touch o­n rights and privileges "can be sensitive", the women's groups nevertheless believe it can be done through dialogue and debate that are "rational, responsible and respectful of the rights, interests and sensitivities of others".

No necessity

In an earlier press statement, WDC called for the resolution of any disagreement that Umno Youth may have with malaysiakini "in a civil manner and through an open forum or discussion".

"There is no necessity for the police to use the Sedition Act against malaysiakini. The actions taken by Umno Youth and the police have serious repercussions and are aimed at crippling the virtual newspaper," said WDC executive director Maria Chin Abdullah.

She said the undemocratic actions taken by the police o­nly go to prove "victimisation and non-tolerance" for alternative views.

WDC reiterated the demand made by various NGOs that the police return immediately and unconditionally all operating equipments taken so that the website could continue to function effectively as a media house.
 

As reported by Susan Loone
2:11pm Thu Jan 23rd, 2003