Suaram ticks off cops for probe on blogger Chan

Human rights watchdog Suaram has expressed concern about 'heavy-handed' action against blogger Chan Lilian, whose computer and modem were seized by police to assist in investigations.

The probe is based on an allegation that Chan, a videographer working with the Penang government, had "incited" Christians to go against the federal government in a tweet on June 29.

Penang Suaram coordinator Ong Ching Jeng (right) said the action was "overzealous" and another step towards restricting Internet freedom.

Ong said that, judging from recent developments and action against bloggers and netizens, the BN-led federal government is clearly "fearful" of free expression.

He cited the proposal by Information, Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim to create a media consultative council, saying this would add another layer of control in regulating the media.

In addition, Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar has said he would consider "investigating disrespectful comments" on Prime Minister Najib Razak's Facebook page.

"Needless to say, the existence of undemocratic laws like the Internal Security Act, Official Secrets Act, and Printing Presses and Publication Act continue to suppress freedom of expression and information," said Ong.

"We therefore take a dim view of the overzealous and unnecessary action (against) Chan (over) what seems to be a petty and trivial accusation made by another blogger."

Last Tuesday, the police had questioned Chan under the Sedition Act and Police Act for a comment she had made on microblogging service Twitter.

Chan, a former Malaysiakini citizen journalist, was also alleged to have participated in the July 9 Bersih 2.0 rally in Kuala Lumpur, but has denied this.

‘Protect Internet freedoms’

Ong also noted that unjust laws and structures of control force the media to report unfairly, as they operate in a restrictive environment.

This is why the Internet is celebrated as a place for free expression, a space that is less controlled by the state, he said.

"Internet freedoms must be protected from the threat of those who want to clamp down on democratic space," he said.

Ong urged the police to clear Chan immediately, saying the government should be wise enough to identify those who are bent on inciting hatred and "deal with it".

"(The government should also be wise to distinguish) which group of people practises freedom of expression and promotes peaceful assembly, and respect them," he added.