Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) Youth condemns the deceitful and malicious
manner in which the police and the government have attempted to justify 
the arrests of seven opposition and reformist leaders.

From the outset, it is very plain that the Internal Security Act 1960 
(ISA)violates the established principle that every accused person has 
the right to be heard in a fair and public tribunal.

The preposterous allegations by the police against the reform activists 
do not justify the use of the ISA. If the police has information about the 
attempted use of force by reform activists, as claimed by the Inspector 
General of Police Norian Mai, then all those involved should be charged 
according to the criminal laws of the country. The use of the ISA only 
goes to prove that the allegations are fabricated and unfounded.

Further, Dr. Mahathir's feeble attempt to justify the arrests on the
expediency of using the ISA reveals the government's contempt for the
principle that every accused has the right to be presumed innocent 
untilproven guilty.

Instead of presuming the guilt of the seven detained activists the police 
should be acting on clear evidence. Again, Dr. Mahathir's asinine 
comments on the inconvenience of producing evidence clearly shows that 
there is none. The so-called "preventive measure" is actually an arbitrary use 
of force to silence legitimate criticism of the government.

In arresting the seven and attempting to justify their actions the police 
and government have blatantly violated universally recognised principles of 
justice. Denial of these principles is a denial of justice. Thus, it seems 
that the police and the government have conspired to undermine the 
administration of justice in this country.

PRM Youth calls upon all Malaysians to denounce the actions of the police 
force and demand for the immediate release of the seven detainees. 
Further,in light of this drastic situation, we also call upon all Malaysians 
to demand the immediate resignation of the Prime Minister. A man who 
cannot even grasp such basic principles of justice is not fit to govern a 
country.

Jonson Chong
PRM Youth
Central Committee Member
(012-296 1276)

Angkatan Pemuda
Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM)
42 Jalan Masjid (3/69)
46000 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7781 2151  Fax: 03-7781 8704

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