KARAPATAN Philippines condemns the recent arrest and detention of Malaysian activists, during their peaceful assembly to express their call for an investigation of an alleged corruption on the 1MDB issue. We likewise join the call for their immediate and unconditional release. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are basic human rights enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We believe the Malaysian people, as all peace-and-democracy-loving people of the world, have strived to get these rights embedded in their own Constitution.
KARAPATAN Philippines condemns the recent arrest and detention of Malaysian activists, during their peaceful assembly to express their call for an investigation of an alleged corruption on the 1MDB issue. We likewise join the call for their immediate and unconditional release. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are basic human rights enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). We believe the Malaysian people, as all peace-and-democracy-loving people of the world, have strived to get these rights embedded in their own Constitution.
The pursuit for truth and justice is no crime that deserves the dingy confines of jail. In fact, it is a way to clear questions that blur the minds. The exercise of democracy is the way to peace. We enjoin the Malaysian authorities to respect the UDHR and all international treaties on rights, particularly those to which the Malaysian government is a signatory.
We salute the Malaysian youth and the Demi Malaysia for their concern and courage to take up their country’s issues. After all, it is they who will inherit the future. We are one with SUARAM Malaysia and all those who fight for rights, justice and peace.
For reference:
Cristina Palabay, KARAPATAN Secretary General
karapatan@karapatan.org