Mat Sabu gains international support

An international NGO promoting peace and free speech has expressed concern over the use of law to silence PAS deputy chief Mohamad Sabu, recently slapped with a criminal defamation charge against the police.

Armed for the Quill (AFTQ) Malaysia said the action against Mohamad Sabu is as an attempt to deny the right to free speech and expression on historical events which are open to interpretation and dispute.

Its Malaysian representative Shaharul Anwar Shafie said the law had been used "improperly" against the PAS leader as expressing different views on any historical issue is not against any law.

He called on the attorney-general to withdraw the charge as it is seen as a "political action and revenge" in violation of the rights guaranteed under the Malaysian constitution.

He added that the government may have its view that Mohamad Sabu, popularly known as Mat Sabu, (left) had disrupted public order by his speech at a ceramah in Tasek Gelugor on Aug 21.

"But do not forget that the public is feeling annoyed and confused over the kind of open democracy currently being practised in this country," he said in a statement.

"Debate and dispute over historical facts must be welcomed as history is not something permanent, it may change due to new findings, information and critical observation," he added.

'Don't force own interpretation on public'

"The government cannot adopt and should not force its interpretation about any historical event on everyone else. Such actions deny the people freedom of thought and expression," he stressed.

Mat Sabu was accused of defaming the force which defended Bukit Kepong in 1950s, by their families and aggrieved parties who lodged police reports against him, prompting the court action.

On Aug 27, the Umno-owned daily Utusan Malaysia published several reports that Mat Sabu had praised the communists who attacked Bukit Kepong, which left 26 people dead.

If convicted, he faces a jail term of up to two years, a fine or both.

Shaharul Anwar urged the government to resolve disputes about historical events in a more intelligent manner while maintaining perfect harmony in the discussions.

One way to deal with the issue, he said, is to organise an open debate on televison and radio with materials from all parties so that the public can judge for themselves.

Intellectual and academic discourse must be encouraged to allow people to practise the right to freedom of speech which is guaranteed in the federal constitution, he added.

"Mat Sabu's right to express his opinion must always be respected.
"If the government can show great wisdom in dealing with the matter, its seriousness in (initiating) democratic reforms will continue to be held in high esteem by citizens," he said.

Meanwhile, the Norway-based NGO said the legal action against Mat Sabu is in conflict with a recent promise by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak that Malaysia will see reforms, openness and transparency in its democratic process.

Najib has also announced on Malaysia Day that irrelevant colonial laws like the Internal Security Act would be abolished, but replaced with two new Acts to deal with terrorism and organised crimes.

"Such inconsistencies give rise to a bad reputation for the government which has many times promised to practise openness and said it was willing to change according to the aspiration of modern Malaysia," he said.

"However, the government has continued to upset the people by acting against the promises made," he added.

Related stories:

Dr M: Gov't should let Mat Sabu run his mouth off

Stop the malicious prosecution of Mat Sabu