Having lost faith in the Malaysian justice system, PSM believes that only people power will see their comrades, still detained under the Emergency Ordinance (EO), breathe free air again.

NONE“We believe the people rakyat will be the only legitimate force to liberate our people from the clutches of this corrupt system,” said secretary-general S Arutchelvan (left) in a statement.

Half a dozen PSM activists, including Sungai Siput parliamentarian Dr D Jeyakumar, detained since June 24, still languish in detention under the EO which, like the Internal Security Act (ISA), provides for detention without trial.
        
The ‘PSM Six’ - as they have been dubbed - were originally detained with 24 others for ‘waging war against the Agong’ on the basis of the leftist paraphernalia found with them during a nationwide roadshow.

Upon their release from the charge, however, Jeyakumar and five others were re-arrested under Section 3(1) of the EO purportedly over their threat to ‘public order’.

Arutchelvan said that the harnessing of popular support is necessary when the “laws of the land are not fair”, the courts do not have “the spine to stand up for justice” and the state uses all its apparatus to stay in power.

“Ultimately justice will prevail and liberation will come for the EO 6. We believe that the majority of good people in our country and overseas will see our comrades liberated,” he said.

He also conveyed the party’s thanks to the public for the support in keeping up the pressure for the release of the PSM 6, recounting the protests, nightly vigils, letters and donations.

NONEArutchelvan also appreciated the support and solidarity shown by the international community as calls for the release of the six keeps growing stronger and louder.

He expressed disappointment that the court had decided to adjourn the hearing of the habeas corpus applications of the ‘PSM Six’ August 5 instead of seeing the necessity and importance of their freedom.

Arutchelvan also noted that the government lawyers’ had not brought any documents to court on Friday when the activists’ case was to be heard, indicating they had known in advance that it would be adjourned.

What is even sickening is that after August 2, which would amount to 30 days in which the activists have been detained, the current applications made by the ‘EO Six’ - as they have also become known - may be deemed academic.

This is because the police could apply for another 30 days’ extension, which would change the facts of the original application, said Aruthcelvan.