Friday, 20 July 2007
Memorandum “Kembalikan Keamanan Masyarakat Kita”
Latar belakang Memorandum
1. Pada 5/1/2007, suatu kes rompak dan rogol yang melibatkan dua orang mangsa dan empat orang perompak telah berlaku di Johor Bahru. Si perompak telah mengugut si mangsa dengan menggunakan pisau dan kemudiannya membawa kereta si mangsa di sekitar Pasir Gudang selama kira-kira sejam, sebelum berhenti di suatu semak dan merogol si mangsa wanita.
2. Manakala pada 11/6/2007, sepasang kekasih telah dirompak semasa perjalanan mereka dari Pontian ke Johor Bahru. Mereka dikejar oleh empat orang perompak dan akibatnya si mangsa lelaki mengalami cereda parah akibat ditetak oleh si perompak yang ganas. Si mangsa wanita pula diperkosa oleh perompak-perompak tersebut.
3. Semasa berlakunya kes pada 11/6/2007, pihak polis telah melengah-lengahkan proses pelaporan dan tidak menghiraukan si mangsa. Dalam kes 5/1/2007 pula, maruah si mangsa terpijak dan kederitaannya diulangi untuk kali kedua melalui cara pengambilan kenyataan saksi yang tidak profesional. Kejadian di atas telah mendedahkan kelemahan polis yang tidak dapat menjalankan tugas secara professional.
4. Abang kepada si mangsa kejadian kes 11/6/2007 telah banyak kali cuba menghubungi dan meminta tolong daripada pihak polis. Namun, pihak polis telah menolak permintaan tersebut dengan memberi sebab bahawa kejadian itu berlaku di tempat tidak tertakluk kepada cawangan polis tersebut. Ini telah menyebabkan si mangsa gagal mendapat bantuan dan akhirnya ditetak oleh si penjenayah. Apabila sampai di hospital pula, pihak hospital enggan memberi rawatan kepada si mangsa atas sebab kenyataan polis belum diambil. Ini mengakibatkan si mangsa diseksa oleh kesakitan dan kederitaan.
5. Di antara tahun 2004 dan 2006, pihak polis telah mengemukakan sejumlah lapan perintah yang mewajibkan semua anggota polis untuk memperbaiki keadaan “tidak menerima laporan polis daripada orang awam”. Maka, melalui kejadian di Johor Bahru, ternyata bahawa pihak polis telah mengingkari perintah tersebut
6. Kejadian-kejadian di atas cuma merupakan sebahagian kecil kes yang dapat menggambarkan keadaan keselamatan orang awam yang semakin terancam. Menurut laman web Polis Diraja Malaysia, dalam 5 tahun yang lepas, kadar kes jenayah semakin meningkat. Pada tahun lepas, terdapat 42,343 kes jenayah yang berlaku di Malaysia, termasuk kes rompak, bunuh dan sebagainya. Antaranya, 2,435 kes merupakan kes rogol.
Kami, sekumpulan badan-badan masyarakat sivil melahirkan kebimbangan kami terhadap kes-kes rompak dan rogol yang berlaku secara semakin kerap dan berterusan kebelakangan ini. Kes-kes keganasan ini bukanlah kejadian terpencil, sebaliknya merupakan bukti nyata bahawa keselamatan orang awam semakin tergugat.
Kami ingin menegaskan bahawa setiap manusia mempunyai hak untuk hidup dalam persekitaran yang aman damai dan keadaan yang bebas daripada ketakutan. Hak asasi ini termaktub dengan jelas di dalam Artikel 3 Piagam Hak Asasi Manusia Sedunia (Universal Declaration of Human Rights,1948).
Keadaan keselamatan dalam negeri yang semakin merosot bukan sahaja akan mengancam orang awam serta harta benda mereka, tetapi juga akan menjejas imej negara Malaysia di mata dunia dan pelaburan daripada luar negara.
Oleh itu, kami mengemukakan tuntutan-tuntutan berikut supaya pihak kerajaan memandang serius krisis keselamatan dalam negeri ini:
1. Prosedur membuat laporan polis dan penyisatan kes oleh pihak polis harus dikaji semula. Penyelarasan antara cawangan-cawangan Polis harus diperbaiki untuk mengelakkan mana-mana anggota polis daripada berdolak-dalih, dan juga untuk mengurangkan penderitaan mangsa-mangsa kes jenayah yang sering diakibatkan oleh cara pengendalian pihak polis yang kurang profesional.
2. Ibu pejabat polis negara bersama dengan cawangan-cawangannya di seluruh negara harus memperbaiki mekanisme bagi melenyapkan kegiatan kongsi gelap di negara ini.
3. Memupuk kesedaran di kalangan pihak polis terhadap hak-hak wanita, kanak-kanak serta hak asasi manusia.
4. Menetapkan agenda pengawalan kejadian kes jenayah di peringkat negara. Angka statistik kejadian kes jenayah, kawasan kejadian kes jenayah, dan analisis punca-punca kes jenayah harus diumumkan berkala supaya kejadian kes jenayah dapat dikawal secara sistematik.
5. Pihak kerajaan harus membentuk Suruhanjaya Bebas Aduan dan Salah Laku Polis（Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, IPCMC）demi menyelesaikan masalah rasuah dan penyalahgunaan kuasa di kalangan polis, sebagaimana yang dicadangkan dalam Laporan Suruhanjaya Diraja Penambahbaikan Perjalanan dan Pengurusan Polis Diraja Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Diraja Polis) yang dikeluarkan pada 6/5/2005.
6. Pihak Polis harus memandang serius serta melaksanakan cadangan-cadangan lain yang telah dikemukakan dalam laporan Suruhanjaya Diraja Polis, serta sentiasa mengumumkan perkembangan terkini dan hasil daripada agenda pembaharuan polis.
Appreciation Letter(chinese version) 战友们，感谢您给予的支持和协助
致：
战友们，感谢您给予的支持和协助
大马人民之声（新山支会）对于您就我们两名理事严居汉（执行秘书）、徐秀敏（管委）被警方无理逮捕的过程中，所提供任何行动与精神上的支持，表示感激。
他们于本月16号早上11点左右，出席观察柔佛州务大臣官邸前举行的和平集会，而遭警方拘捕。过后，他们各自被带往柔南区警局和拉庆警局扣留所。但是，警方告知准备用《煽动法令》第 4（2）条文提控他们。经扣留约55个小时后，两人于本月19 号晚上近9时获得口投保释。他们必须在一星期后（本月26号）早上8时前往新山推事庭，但控状不明。
本会执行秘书致电给案件调查官- 祖基菲（Zulkrifly）。他告知,不必到推事庭去，只需要到新山南区警察局报到。两名理事依指示, 在本月26 号早上9时抵达南区警察局。调查警官祖基菲再告知, 两人得延长保释多一个星期,7 月3日再度前往南区警察局。理因是, 严居汉的箱子目前还在警察总署（IPK ）调查中。
我们感谢，在他们扣留期间得到义务律师团提供援助。与此同时，我们也感谢大马律师公会及其人权小组、柔佛州律师委员会人权小组、公民社会团体、各在野党、各报媒体以及各阶层人士所给予的广泛关注和协助。感谢大家通过电话给予慰问和关心、通过短讯和电话广泛传达这项讯息；或致电、发短讯以及到警局报案，对警方处理这事件的态度表达不满。在舆论上制造足够的压力，促使警方释放他们。
特此，人民之声（新山支会）对大家在这次的救援行动中所给予的支持与协助，致以万二分的谢意。希望往后大家能继续秉承着互相支援的精神，为民主人权事业作出贡献。
人民之声（新山支会） 主席
——————
罗明亮
Appreciation Letter(malay version) Terima Kasih atas Bantuan Rakan-rakan
Kepada:
TERIMA KASIH ATAS BANTUAN RAKAN-RAKAN
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) cawangan Johor Bharu ingin mengucapkan terima kasih atas pertolongan dan bantuan yang dihulurkan terhadap kes Nyam Kee Han selaku Penyelaras dan See Siu Min selaku ahli sekretariat kami, kerana mereka ditahan oleh pihak polis pada 17/6/07.
Mereka telah hadir sebagai pemerhati dalam perhimpunan aman yang diadakan di hadapan rumah Menteri Besar Johor, Bukit Saujana, Johor Bahru. Mereka telah ditangkap dan kemudiannya ditahan selama 3 hari kerana kononnya mempunyai risalah-risalah hasutan di bawah seksyen 4(2), Akta Hasutan. Tuduhan ini adalah diada-adakan. Oleh sebab itu tuduhan tersebut telah dinafikan. Kedua-dua rakan kami telah berjaya diikat jamin pada
Walaubagaimanapun, penyelaras Suaram JB telah menghubungi Tuan Zulkrifly Mohd Isa selaku pegawai penyiasat pada hari sebelum itu (
Dalam masa yang kritikal ini, pihak kami telah mendapat bantuan dan sokongan secara sukalera daripada pelbagai pihak seperti Majlis Peguam dan Jawatankuasa Kecil Hak Asasi Manusianya, Kuala Lumpur, Jawatankuasa Peguam Johor (Johor Bar Council) dan Jawatankuasa Kecil Hak Asasi Manusianya, NGO, parti-parti pembangkang, persatuan, media dan rakan seperjuangan tempatan, luar negeri dan juga dari luar negara. Antaranya, ada yang mengambil tindakan membuat laporan polis di tempat masing-masing, menghantar mesej dan membuat panggilan telefon kepada pihak polis. Ini telah memberi tekanan kepada pihak berkuasa supaya melepaskan kedua-dua rakan tersebut dengan secepat mungkin.
Dengan itu, pihak kami ingin merakamkan ribuan terima kasih atas sokongan dan bantuan rakan-rakan.
Salam Perjuangan
Yang ikhlas,
b/p Low Ming Leong
Pengerusi SUARAM (cawangan Johor Bahru)
两名人民之声理事 - 口头保释延长一星期
大马人民之声（新山支会）2007年06 月27日文告
新山人民之声 (新山支会)两位理事徐秀敏、严居汉因前往观察日前（ 17/6）在州务大臣官邸前举办的抗议治安不靖集会中，被警方无理逮捕并扣留长达三天。在各界人士以及社会輿论的压力下，警方不得已于星期二（19/6 ）在口头保释下,释放他们。警方命令他们星期二（26/6）早上八时正, 前往新山推事庭，但控狀不明.
得上庭的前一天 (25/6)早上，我们的执行秘书致电给调查官祖基菲（Tuan Zulkifly）是否提控两位理事时，警方只告诉他, 两人不必到新山推事庭去，只需要到警察局报到就行了。
昨天,26日早上9 时，我们（徐、严）抵达柔南区县警察局。调查官祖基菲告知, 两名理事还得延长口头保释一个星期, 7月3日再前往柔南区县警察局报到。延长扣留的理由是: "上头"的指示。警方己将严居汉当天手握的箱子送往总警察署（IPK Johor）调查。祖基菲还口头答应,会尽快在一个星期内把事情处理好。
警方至今没提出控状。看来，只是在拖延时间。人民之声(新山支会)针对警方的做法, 感到极度失望。我们认为在治安极度不良的情况下，警方理应集中精神对付犯罪分子，而非本末倒置，利用职权拖延时间。
警方应从本着法治精神，从速解決这个悬而未決的问题，以便完全恢复两名理事在宪法保障下的人身自由。
新山人民之声 (新山支会)两位理事徐秀敏、严居汉因前往观察日前（ 17/6）在州务大臣官邸前举办的抗议治安不靖集会中，被警方无理逮捕并扣留长达三天。在各界人士以及社会輿论的压力下，警方不得已于星期二（19/6 ）在口头保释下,释放他们。警方命令他们星期二（26/6）早上八时正, 前往新山推事庭，但控狀不明.
得上庭的前一天 (25/6)早上，我们的执行秘书致电给调查官祖基菲（Tuan Zulkifly）是否提控两位理事时，警方只告诉他, 两人不必到新山推事庭去，只需要到警察局报到就行了。
昨天,26日早上9 时，我们（徐、严）抵达柔南区县警察局。调查官祖基菲告知, 两名理事还得延长口头保释一个星期, 7月3日再前往柔南区县警察局报到。延长扣留的理由是: "上头"的指示。警方己将严居汉当天手握的箱子送往总警察署（IPK Johor）调查。祖基菲还口头答应,会尽快在一个星期内把事情处理好。
警方至今没提出控状。看来，只是在拖延时间。人民之声(新山支会)针对警方的做法, 感到极度失望。我们认为在治安极度不良的情况下，警方理应集中精神对付犯罪分子，而非本末倒置，利用职权拖延时间。
警方应从本着法治精神，从速解決这个悬而未決的问题，以便完全恢复两名理事在宪法保障下的人身自由。
Friday, 22 June 2007
01.07.2007赛扎哈里著《万千梦魇 — 赛查哈里回忆录2》及 黄信芳著《历史的补白 一个逃亡的新加坡立法议员~ 黄信芳回忆录》新书推介礼
柔佛州人民之友工委会及《马来西亚历史的另一面》编委会2007年06月21日活动文告
日期：2007 年 7月1 日（星期日）
时间：下午2 时 至 4 时30分
推介人：林福寿医生（新加坡），谢爱萍博士
地点：南方学院（讲堂B ）
柔佛州人民之友工委会及《马来西亚历史的另一面》编委会订于2007年07月 01日（星期日），下午两点正，在南方学院（讲堂B），为赛扎哈利和黄信芳的新著举办推介礼。
黄信芳的《历史的补白 —一个逃亡的新加坡立法议员~ 黄信芳回忆录》和赛扎哈里的第二本回忆录《万千梦魇 — 赛查哈里回忆录2 》，是《马来西亚历史的另一面》编委会出版的第六及第七本历史丛书系列。
黄信芳的回忆录，不仅是在回忆他在上个世纪五、六十年代投入那反殖、反帝，争取国家与民族解放与独立的热火朝天浪潮中，同时，也流露了他对这片土地、人民与亲人的思念与挂怀！自 1963年被迫离开新加坡至今已40多年了，至今他不被允许回国，而被迫流落他乡。
赛扎哈里是前《马来前锋报》总编辑，他在李光耀执政期间，被援以《内安法令》扣留了长达17年。这本新著是续《人间正道》后，赛扎哈里的第二本回忆录。书中所记载的，都是那些曾为争取自由、正义和人道做出的努力，无不显示一个平凡的人，被赋予充满苦难曲折的人生经历及，不平凡的毅力和斗志。
为了慎重其事，主办单位特邀也是新加坡前立法议员的林福寿医生与马大中文系教授谢爱萍博士出席，并主持新书推介仪式。当天，两位作者也将到来，与出席者分享他们过往的经历，并为空白的历史作出补充。
让我籍此机会，齐集人民之友于一堂，承先启后，继续为推动我国的民主人权事业发展而作出努力。正视历史、展望未来，更是我们所期望能达到的目标！
《历史的另一面》编委会， 大马人民之声（新山支会）
（祝俊雄） （严居汉）
执行秘书
日期：2007 年 7月1 日（星期日）
时间：下午2 时 至 4 时30分
推介人：林福寿医生（新加坡），谢爱萍博士
地点：南方学院（讲堂B ）
柔佛州人民之友工委会及《马来西亚历史的另一面》编委会订于2007年07月 01日（星期日），下午两点正，在南方学院（讲堂B），为赛扎哈利和黄信芳的新著举办推介礼。
黄信芳的《历史的补白 —一个逃亡的新加坡立法议员~ 黄信芳回忆录》和赛扎哈里的第二本回忆录《万千梦魇 — 赛查哈里回忆录2 》，是《马来西亚历史的另一面》编委会出版的第六及第七本历史丛书系列。
黄信芳的回忆录，不仅是在回忆他在上个世纪五、六十年代投入那反殖、反帝，争取国家与民族解放与独立的热火朝天浪潮中，同时，也流露了他对这片土地、人民与亲人的思念与挂怀！自 1963年被迫离开新加坡至今已40多年了，至今他不被允许回国，而被迫流落他乡。
赛扎哈里是前《马来前锋报》总编辑，他在李光耀执政期间，被援以《内安法令》扣留了长达17年。这本新著是续《人间正道》后，赛扎哈里的第二本回忆录。书中所记载的，都是那些曾为争取自由、正义和人道做出的努力，无不显示一个平凡的人，被赋予充满苦难曲折的人生经历及，不平凡的毅力和斗志。
为了慎重其事，主办单位特邀也是新加坡前立法议员的林福寿医生与马大中文系教授谢爱萍博士出席，并主持新书推介仪式。当天，两位作者也将到来，与出席者分享他们过往的经历，并为空白的历史作出补充。
让我籍此机会，齐集人民之友于一堂，承先启后，继续为推动我国的民主人权事业发展而作出努力。正视历史、展望未来，更是我们所期望能达到的目标！
《历史的另一面》编委会， 大马人民之声（新山支会）
（祝俊雄） （严居汉）
执行秘书
人民之声（新山支会）针对其理事被扣留发表书面声明
20/6/2007
新山人民之友工委会两位理事徐秀敏、严居汉因出席观察日前（17/6）就州务大臣官邸前举办抗议治安不靖的集会中，被警方无理由逮捕并扣留长达三天。在各界舆论的压力下，两人于昨晚星期二（19/6）近九点才被口头保释。该二人必须在下星期二（26/6）早上八时正前往新山推事庭答辩，但警方似乎没有提出控状。
首先，我们要感谢义务律师团这几天给予我们法律援助。同时，也感谢大马律师公会及其人权小组、柔佛州律师委员会人权小组、各在野政党如民主行动党全国秘书长林冠英、公正党全国主席Wan Azizah、回教党柔佛州主席马洛夫、社团和各界热心人士的支持。大家无论是通过电话给予我们慰问和关心、通过短讯和电话广泛传达这项讯息和致电、发短讯及到警局报案表达对警方处理态度的不满，都在舆论上制造足够的压力，促使警方释放他们。希望大家能秉承着互相支援精神，继续为民主人权事业做出贡献。
人民因抗议治安败坏而被警方逮捕，这突显警方滥权的严重现象。人民是因为警方没有履行职责，而感到人身安全毫无保障，才会集会进行抗议。警方应该反躬自省，而非逮捕参与或出席观察集会的人士。上述逮捕，意味着警方丝毫不重视人民对安定生活的要求。这也意味着人民在生命受威胁的情况下，连最基本的抗议权利也被剥夺。
我们重申，和平集会是我国宪法保障下的基本人权。如果人民的人身安全受威胁时，他们是有权利站出来表达他们的心声。我们认为人民之声两名理事以观察员的身份出席上述集会是在履行一项公民最基本的责任。他们在关心国家的未来，并以实际行动尽了公民的义务。
对警方大费周章：遣派大批警员驻扎在州务大臣官邸，过后又在柔佛州总警察署多番刁难我们呈交抗议书的举动，我们感到十分失望。我们认为在治安极度不良的情况下，警方理应集中精神对付犯罪分子，而非本末倒置，阻止人民正义的行动。
另外，我们也严厉谴责警方将整个事件种族化。治安问题绝对不是种族课题，在治安不良的情况下任何种族都可能成为罪犯的受害者。人民之声两名理事被扣留，只因他们拥有和准备派发要求成立《监督警察滥权委员会》（IPCMC）的传单，我们感到警方似乎在制造白色恐怖，阻遏人民争取他们应享有的权利。
毫无疑问他们两人能够迅速被释放，那是社会舆论压力底下所取得的胜利。最后，我们将在不久的将来发表一篇关于这事件的来胧去脉的报告。
新山人民之友工委会两位理事徐秀敏、严居汉因出席观察日前（17/6）就州务大臣官邸前举办抗议治安不靖的集会中，被警方无理由逮捕并扣留长达三天。在各界舆论的压力下，两人于昨晚星期二（19/6）近九点才被口头保释。该二人必须在下星期二（26/6）早上八时正前往新山推事庭答辩，但警方似乎没有提出控状。
首先，我们要感谢义务律师团这几天给予我们法律援助。同时，也感谢大马律师公会及其人权小组、柔佛州律师委员会人权小组、各在野政党如民主行动党全国秘书长林冠英、公正党全国主席Wan Azizah、回教党柔佛州主席马洛夫、社团和各界热心人士的支持。大家无论是通过电话给予我们慰问和关心、通过短讯和电话广泛传达这项讯息和致电、发短讯及到警局报案表达对警方处理态度的不满，都在舆论上制造足够的压力，促使警方释放他们。希望大家能秉承着互相支援精神，继续为民主人权事业做出贡献。
人民因抗议治安败坏而被警方逮捕，这突显警方滥权的严重现象。人民是因为警方没有履行职责，而感到人身安全毫无保障，才会集会进行抗议。警方应该反躬自省，而非逮捕参与或出席观察集会的人士。上述逮捕，意味着警方丝毫不重视人民对安定生活的要求。这也意味着人民在生命受威胁的情况下，连最基本的抗议权利也被剥夺。
我们重申，和平集会是我国宪法保障下的基本人权。如果人民的人身安全受威胁时，他们是有权利站出来表达他们的心声。我们认为人民之声两名理事以观察员的身份出席上述集会是在履行一项公民最基本的责任。他们在关心国家的未来，并以实际行动尽了公民的义务。
对警方大费周章：遣派大批警员驻扎在州务大臣官邸，过后又在柔佛州总警察署多番刁难我们呈交抗议书的举动，我们感到十分失望。我们认为在治安极度不良的情况下，警方理应集中精神对付犯罪分子，而非本末倒置，阻止人民正义的行动。
另外，我们也严厉谴责警方将整个事件种族化。治安问题绝对不是种族课题，在治安不良的情况下任何种族都可能成为罪犯的受害者。人民之声两名理事被扣留，只因他们拥有和准备派发要求成立《监督警察滥权委员会》（IPCMC）的传单，我们感到警方似乎在制造白色恐怖，阻遏人民争取他们应享有的权利。
毫无疑问他们两人能够迅速被释放，那是社会舆论压力底下所取得的胜利。最后，我们将在不久的将来发表一篇关于这事件的来胧去脉的报告。
Urgent Appeal Updates 3: Two Human Rights Defenders Released
Date: 20 June 2007
The two human rights defenders, Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Min, who were arrested at 17 June 2007 (Sunday) in Johor Bahru for leafleting, were released yesterday (19 June 2007) around 8.45pm.
This clearly another abuse of police power, the police should release them before the remand order end at 2.30pm (time the magistrate granted a 24-hour remand on 18 June 2007), but the police fail to meet the deadline.
Nyam and See were released by police bill and asking to report back on 26 June 2007 before 8am.
On 19 June 2007 around 8am, without warrant the police went to search the houses of the two arrested activists. The police had taken away Nyam's CPU, pen drive and some personal documents. This again clearly illustrates the abuse of power by the police.
For more information, please contact Moon Hui at +60 3 77843525, mobile: +60 12 7209981 or email: suaram@suaram.net.
The two human rights defenders, Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Min, who were arrested at 17 June 2007 (Sunday) in Johor Bahru for leafleting, were released yesterday (19 June 2007) around 8.45pm.
This clearly another abuse of police power, the police should release them before the remand order end at 2.30pm (time the magistrate granted a 24-hour remand on 18 June 2007), but the police fail to meet the deadline.
Nyam and See were released by police bill and asking to report back on 26 June 2007 before 8am.
On 19 June 2007 around 8am, without warrant the police went to search the houses of the two arrested activists. The police had taken away Nyam's CPU, pen drive and some personal documents. This again clearly illustrates the abuse of power by the police.
For more information, please contact Moon Hui at +60 3 77843525, mobile: +60 12 7209981 or email: suaram@suaram.net.
Memorandum to SUHAKAM 1: Arrests of 2 human rights defenders in JB a blatant abuse of police powers and gross violation of Constitutional rights
Date: 19 June 2007
Memorandum to SUHAKAM: Arrests of 2 human rights defenders in JB a blatant abuse of police powers and gross violation of Constitutional rights
Background
On 17 June 2007, residents in Johor Bahru organised a protest against stark rising crime rates in Johor in front of the Menteri Besar’s residence. Two SUARAM activists, Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Mun, who had intended to distribute a leaflet calling for the setting up of the Independent Police Complaint and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) at the demonstration, were arrested by police at about 11.00am when the demonstration was about to end.
Nyam Kee Han (male, 24) is the branch coordinator of SUARAM Johor Bahru while See Siew Mun (female, 27) is a secretariat member of the branch.
They were detained at the Johor Bahru police station for a night on 17 June and subsequently brought to magistrate’s court on 18 June for remand. The police applied for a three-day remand. The lawyer of the detainees, Abdul Razak protested the unjustified application. In the end, the Johor Bahru Magistrate Court only granted a 24-hour remand order at 2.30 pm, 18 June 2007.
Today, the police may release them, or charge them or apply for a further remand order. If charged by the police, the two human rights defenders may face charges of participating in illegal assembly and distributing leaflets under the Sedition Act.
Arrests a disrespect for Constitutional rights and blatant abuse of police power
SUARAM strongly condemns the arbitrary arrests of the two human rights defenders. They are clear examples of abuse of power by the police, misusing their authority to intimidate those who tried to expose the slack attitude and incompetence of the police force in resolving crimes.
In a time when crime rates are soaring high and the general public losing confidence in the police in solving crimes and protecting pubic safety, it is regrettable that the police seem to be more interested in intimidating and harassing peaceful citizens instead of busting crimes and catching criminals. This is not only a waste of public monies but gross violations of human rights of the citizen.
We therefore would like to raise the following complaints:
1. Arbitrary arrest
It must be stressed that the arrests should not have taken place in the first place. The two arrested activists were merely exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression which is unambiguously guaranteed by the Federal Constitution, Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Malaysian Declaration of Human Rights. The demonstration on 17 June 2007 in Johor Bahru was peaceful, with no untoward incidents throughout.
2. Illegal detention
The police have blatantly abused their powers by detaining the two activists for more than 24 hours without charging them. Nyam and See were arrested at 11.30am on 17 June 2007 but only brought to the Johor Bahru Magistrate Court at 2.30pm on 18 June 2007. It is pertinent to point out that statements from the two arrested have not been taken by the police. Article 5(4) of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia clearly states:
“Where a person is arrested and not released he shall without unreasonably delay, and in any case within twenty-four hours (excluding the time of any necessary journey) be produced before a magistrate and shall not be further detained in custody without the magistrate’s authority.”
In the case of Nyam and See, the police have failed to produce them before the magistrate within 24 hours. The detention of the two had been illegal by the time they were brought to the Magistrate’s court.
3. Unwarranted search of detainees’ house
We have also been informed that the police have obtained warrant to search the houses of the two arrested activists. This again clearly illustrates the abuse of power by the police. Based on the allegations brought against them – illegal assembly and distributing allegedly seditious leaflets – there is absolutely no need to search their houses as the two were arrested whilst having the leaflets with them. SUARAM views the search by the police at their houses as a further abuse of power and an attempt to intimidate the friends and families of the two.
4. Unjustified remand order
We strongly protest against the remand order given to the police. First of all, a case of illegal assembly and leafleting is very straight forward. There is no need for further investigation. Secondly, even if the police intend to conduct further investigation, they can always do so by giving police bail and release the detainees. The detention and the remand order are totally unnecessary and unjustified.
It must also be pointed out that no statement was taken by the police from the two within the first 24 hours of their arrests. Since no statement was taken, we question the need for remand orders on the two for further investigations. We view this as a deliberate attempt by the police to delay the release of the two arrested activists, especially when their statements have yet to be taken within 24 hours of their arrests.
5. Mala-Fide of Police Action
The arrests and the deliberate attempt by the police to delay the release of the two arrested activists clearly demonstrate that the police yet again failed to carry out its duties to protect the fundamental right of the people to live without fear, but instead have instilled fear of the public by abusing their powers blatantly.
Without charging them or taking their statements, the arrests of the two activists by the police are clearly a revenge with bad faith meted out to punish the human rights defenders for their dissent and action against police corruption and abuse of powers, rather than to investigate their cases.
We also deem this as an incident used by the police to silent rising public criticism against the police for their incompetence in solving crimes and corrupt practices.
Conclusion and Demands
The case of Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Mun illustrate further the falling public confidence in the police force. The need to set up the IPCMC is more urgent than ever to restoring the professionalism of the police force, enhancing the efficiency in solving crimes and ensuring public safety for all.
We demand SUHAKAM to:
- Pressure for the immediate and unconditional release of Nyam and See.
- Ensure that SUHAKAM’s recommendations on the right to peaceful assembly be respected by the police at all times.
- Demand that that the 24-hour investigation period be respected and not be misused by the police.
- Ensure that remand orders would not be conveniently given by the magistrates as in this case.
- Pressure for concrete action to be taken against police personnel who misuse their powers.
- Push for the implementation of the IPCMC immediately.
[Letter to CPO] Unconditional and Immediate Release of Two Human Rights Volunteers
Mohd. Amir Sulaiman,
Chief Police Officer of
80990 Jalan Tebrau,
Johor Bahru,
Tel: +607-2254422 Fax: +607-2240115
Sir,
Unconditional and Immediate Release of Two Human Rights Volunteers
We would like to express our concern and protest regarding the recent arbitrary arrest of two human rights volunteers from Suara Rakyat
2. From our understanding, the arrested human rights volunteers, Nyam Kee-Han and See Siew-Min were trying to show their concern on the deteriorating security and rampant criminal activities that threaten safety of each individual in the city of
3. We seriously question the legitimacy of the action by the police which has violated the fundamental human rights of freedom of assembly and speech. To charge human right volunteers for participating in peaceful assembly and possessing of leaflet urging to set up the Independent Police Complaint and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), which ironically is aimed to improve the Malaysia Royal Police Force, is a disgrace to the human rights record in your country.
4. We therefore would like to voice our protest and strongly urge that the two human rights volunteers be released unconditionally and immediately. We also urge the Malaysia Royal Police Force to discharge their duty in putting down crimes while adhering to the human rights as enshrined in your constitution.
Thank you.
Yours Sincerely,
___________________________
(name and signature of representative)
CC:
Prime Minister cum Interior Minister Mr. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Prime Minister's office
Blok Utama Bangunan Perdana Putra
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62502
Tel: +603-88888000/88888032
Fax: +603-88883444
Email: ppm@pmo.gov.my
Mr. Abdullah Rahim Bin Bakri
Tel: +886-2-2713-2626
Fax:+886-2-2514-9864
Email: mwtaipei@ms34.hinet.net
Urgent Appeal Updates 2: Detention of Two Human Rights Defenders Extended
The two human rights defenders, Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Min, who were arrested yesterday (17 June 2007) in Johor Bahru for leafleting were brough to a magistrate's court today. The police applied for three-day remand order, however the magistrate only granted a 24-hour remand.
The police will have to decide to release them or charge them in court tomorrow or they can apply for another extension of the detention. The police said if they are charged, it would be like for illegal assembly and inciting riots.
Suaram protested strongly against the remand of the two activists. This is clearly a human rights violation, an abuse of power by the police and a decision with bad faith to punish the two human rights defenders who have been campaigned against abuse of power of the police.
For more information, please contact Tah Moon Hui at +60 3 77843525, mobile: +60 12 7209981 or email: suaram@suaram.net.
Biro Penerangan Parti Keadilan Rakyat Press Statement: Arresting activists will not solve rising crime in Johor
BIRO PENERANGAN PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT
No 110-3, Jln Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
(atas Hong Leong Bank, sebelah Monorail Station)
Telefon: 03-22723220, 03-22724220 Faks: 03-22721220 Website: www.keadilanrakyat.org Email: biropen@gmail.com
Press Statement
18 JUNE 2007
Arresting activists will not solve rising crime in Johor
I have been informed that the Johor Bahru magistrate’s court had granted the police a one-day remand of two young man – Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Min, who were arrested yesterday morning for distributing a leaflet which called for an independent police commission to be established, during a 200-strong residents protest on the disturbing rise in crime in the state.
This remand is unconstitutional as the Federal Constitution is very clear that the police are only allowed to hold a person for not more than 24 hours. Both the police and the judiciary should know of this, but yet the application was allowed.
This begs the question – has the lack of respect for the law, which is evident in the alarming levels of crime and lawlessness, been extended to the judiciary and the police?
Instead of wasting time and public funds to persecute those who speak truth to power, the police should have used their resources to step up crime prevention and to apprehend the real culprits. Arresting residents and activists will not resolve crimes in Johor.
The state of crime in Johor has reached a level where there are places in residential areas which residents themselves are too fearful to venture out after dark. Robberies and rape cases have become too frequent in the past few years.
I call on the police to immediately and unconditionally release the two men in remand and I further urge the Chief Minister of Johor to step up all efforts to stop crime in Johor.
Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail
President
People’s Justice Party (KeADILan)
FORUM-ASIA Press Statement: Malaysia - Condemns the Detention of Two Human Rights Defenders
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007 4:32 PM
(Bangkok, 18 June 2007) FORUM-ASIA, in its open letter to the Chief of Johor Bahru Police Stateion, Mr. Nor Hashim, condemns the arrest of two human rights defenders, Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Min, which occurred on 17 June 2007. The two human rights defenders are working with Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM).
Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Min were arrested at around 11.00 am on 17 June 2007 while handing out leaflets at a demonstration in front of the residence of Menteiri Besar (Chief Executive of the State).
The peaceful demonstration was meant to draw the Chief Executive's attention to the rising crime rate in Johor Bahru. The two defenders were handing out leaflets calling for the immediate creation of the Independent Police Complaint and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), recommended by the Royal Commission, to push for the police reform.
At present the defenders have not been given any concrete information about the charges they face, but it is believed that they will be charged with illegally demonstrating and handing out leaflets against the sedition law. Mr. Anselmo Lee, the Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA said in the open letter that, "As a member state to the United Nations, this charge is not acceptable. Malaysia must abide by the international obligations, which protect the right to freedom of assembly. Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) stresses that 'no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile.'"
The open letter state that Malaysia must follow the 1998 Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which states that human rights defenders have the "right, individually and in association with others…to meet or assemble peacefully". "We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the two activists. This action will demonstrate the Malaysian government's respect for human rights standards and the international treaties to which the Malaysian government is a party," stressed Mr. Lee.
FORUM-ASIA also asks specific UN experts to take immediate action on this matter:
- UN Special representative of the Secretary General on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Ms. Hila Jilani; and,
- UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions, Ms. Manuela Carmena Castriollo, Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Ms. Soledad Villagra, Mr. Tamas Ban, and Mr. Seyed Mohammad Hashemi.
Anselmo Lee
Executive Director
For further information, please contact Mr. Anselmo Lee, Executive Director, FORUM-ASIA, +662 391 8801 (ext. 502), Mr. Pokpong Lawansiri, Human Rights Defenders Program, +662 391 8801 (ext. 606)
SUARAM KL Press Statement: Arrests of two activists in JB a disrespect of Constitutional rights and blatant abuse of power, release the two immediatel
Press Statement: 18 June 2007
2 SUARAM activists, Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Mun, arrested for leafleting at a demonstration in Johor Bahru yesterday (17 June 2007) have yet to be released by the police. The police will obtain remand orders for the two from the Johor Bahru Magistrate Court today.
Nyam and See were leafleting at a demonstration in front of Menteri Besar's residence, Johor Bahru on 17 June 2007. The demonstration was calling for MB's attention and action on the rising crime rates in Johor Bahru. During the demonstration, the two activists distributed leaflets calling for the setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). When the demonstration almost ended, the police suddenly arrested the two activists.
The arbitrary arrests are clear examples of abuse of power by the police, misusing their authority to intimidate those who tried to expose the slack attitude of the police force in resolving crimes.
SUARAM condemns strongly the arbitrary arrest of the two activists. In a time when crime rates are soaring high, the actions of the police in intimidating the activists, who were merely exercising their Constitutional rights, instead of busting crimes have yet again proven to be a waste of public monies. The police have yet again failed to carry out its duties to protect the fundamental right of the people to live without fear, but instead have instilled fear of the public by abusing their powers.
We demand that the police respect the people’s Constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and expression. We call on the police to immediately and unconditionally release the 2 arrested activists.
We further reiterate our demand on the setting up of the IPCMC – the only step that could put a stop to the blatant abuse of powers that is more and more unbecoming, as was is seen in the arbitrary arrests of the two activists in Johor Bahru.
For more information, please contact Moon Hui, tel: 012 7209981.
2 SUARAM activists, Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Mun, arrested for leafleting at a demonstration in Johor Bahru yesterday (17 June 2007) have yet to be released by the police. The police will obtain remand orders for the two from the Johor Bahru Magistrate Court today.
Nyam and See were leafleting at a demonstration in front of Menteri Besar's residence, Johor Bahru on 17 June 2007. The demonstration was calling for MB's attention and action on the rising crime rates in Johor Bahru. During the demonstration, the two activists distributed leaflets calling for the setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). When the demonstration almost ended, the police suddenly arrested the two activists.
The arbitrary arrests are clear examples of abuse of power by the police, misusing their authority to intimidate those who tried to expose the slack attitude of the police force in resolving crimes.
SUARAM condemns strongly the arbitrary arrest of the two activists. In a time when crime rates are soaring high, the actions of the police in intimidating the activists, who were merely exercising their Constitutional rights, instead of busting crimes have yet again proven to be a waste of public monies. The police have yet again failed to carry out its duties to protect the fundamental right of the people to live without fear, but instead have instilled fear of the public by abusing their powers.
We demand that the police respect the people’s Constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and expression. We call on the police to immediately and unconditionally release the 2 arrested activists.
We further reiterate our demand on the setting up of the IPCMC – the only step that could put a stop to the blatant abuse of powers that is more and more unbecoming, as was is seen in the arbitrary arrests of the two activists in Johor Bahru.
For more information, please contact Moon Hui, tel: 012 7209981.
