Questioned over Sosma memo, Suaram tells PM Anwar to remember his own rally history

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) today urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Harapan-led government not to forget their experience at street rallies during their time in the opposition, describing an investigation against a group of activists who recently submitted a memorandum to the home minister as a waste of time and government funds. 

Speaking to reporters outside the Dang Wangi police station in Kuala Lumpur, Suaram coordinator Wong Yan Ke said the six activists had gathered peacefully in front of Parliament on Dec 20 to hand over a memorandum to Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. 

He said the memorandum was to plead for the release of Sosma detainees, and that the activists had been accompanied by Klang MP V Ganabatirau and DAP deputy chairman Gobind Singh Deo. 

"This is the first time since the new government was formed that we have been called to give our statements," he said. 

"We would like to state that those in the government, especially the prime minister, have participated in many street rallies.

"Don't forget your history, the history of reformasi."  

Wong was one of those called up for questioning, alongside Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy, Parti Sosialis Malaysia deputy chairman S Arutchelvan, Suaram coordinator Nik Azura Nik Nasron, deputy MIC Youth chief Andrew David, and Ranjith Kumar, a family member of a Sosma detainee. 

Sevan said the police decision to call them for questioning was a waste of time and government resources given that the memorandum handover had been done in a peaceful manner. 

He said the process was also witnessed by many police officers who could confirm that no disturbance was made. 

"Many of the police who were there also recorded the entire handover, so there are police videos on record as well. 

"Just refer to those videos. That would be enough. Why call us in for questioning and waste our time?" he added before entering the police station. 

Arutchelvan meanwhile asked if the police would also call up the representative who had received the memorandum on Saifuddin's behalf. 

"The home minister sent someone to accept our memorandum. Did he conspire in the submission of our memo?"