Creative activism not a crime, says group questioning latest police probe under 'reformist' govt

Lawyers group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) today criticised reports that a group of university students had been called in for questioning over their involvement in an event organised by activist Fahmi Reza, saying civil liberties should be upheld under the new government led by Anwar Ibrahim.

Noting that three of the students had merely attended the Kelas Demokrasi event in Penang last month while the fourth had only replied to a post on Twitter, LFL director Zaid Malek said political activism and "creating democratic awareness" were not crimes. 

"It is an exercise of free speech and assembly protected under Article 10(1)(a) and Article 10(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution," he added. 

"A healthy democratic process depends on the free marketplace of ideas in any form, whether it happens online or physically, and it must be protected from police action."

In a statement, Zaid reminded Anwar and his Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition of their promises of reform throughout the years, adding that the public should be able to engage in discussions about the democratic process and political developments in the country. 

"Irrespective of whether any event of this nature was for the benefit of any specific political ideology or party, police action is never warranted," he said. 

"In fact, the irony is that this Fahmi Reza talk was reportedly non-partisan."

Urging Anwar and his government to uphold civil liberties, he said PH had promised in its manifesto to empower free speech under its rule. 

"This promise must be kept. Otherwise, it would be a flagrant breach of a solemn undertaking given to voters."