KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — Raja Petra Kamarudin says he stubbornly resisted police attempts at Bukit Aman yesterday afternoon to make him give a statement regarding one particular entry in his Malaysia Today website. Police then gave up after two hours of trying.
The controversial political commentator who styles himself "RPK" was giving his account of what happened between the police officers and him to fellow blogger Ahirudin Attan, formerly executive editor of Malay Mail who now focuses on giving his views on news topics in his 'Rocky's Bru' blog.
RPK was accompanied by his lawyer, William Leong, the MP of Selayang. It was apparently not an ordinary call on the commercial crime division of Bukit Aman with "scores of journalists, bloggers and Malaysia Today supporters" present at the entrance of the national police headquarters, according to Rocky.
RPK says police still have his lap top and desk top computers and confirms he is being investigated under the Sedition Act.
He tells Rocky: "For two hours they tried to make me make a statement. I refused. They threatened to charge me for refusing to make a statement. I told them, go ahead and arrest me or release me right now."
Earlier in the morning, an account posted on RPK's blog said seven police officers from the Cyber Crime Division spent 2 hours in his house from 9am, confiscated his PC and notebook computer before issuing him a notice to report to Bukit Aman.
The blog says according to the police, he is being investigated with regards to an article he wrote, "Let’s send the Altantuya murderers..." It seems a police report has been made against Raja Petra by another police officer.
It is reported in his blog that RPK will try to update on the latest developments once he can get his hands on a new computer.
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That was exactly what Raja Petra told his interrogators who for the better part of two hours was "persuading" him to make a statement. When they failed to get a statement from him, they opened the interrogation room door and Pete walked towards us at around 5.55pm to a shout of Daulat Tuanku from a supporter and clapping from a group of bloggers.When I arrived at BlogHouse at 4.00pm, Rocky, Nuraina and Tony Yew were already waiting for me. When we arrived at CCID at Bukit Perdana Marina was just walking out, as she was not allowed to be with her husband, unlike the occasion when she was questioned by Police and Raja Petra insisted that he would not allow his wife to be interviewed by strangers without his presence as her husband.
Within minutes of our arrival, the media people trickled in and in no time the entrance of CCID was a sea of activity around Marina. Bloggers sms-ed other bloggers. ShanghaiStephen and Eric Voon arrived, followed by Member of Parliament for Wangsa Maju, Yang Berkhidmat Wee Choo Keong. Last to arrive was Gus Gan of Fisherman's Wharf who had to replace a flat on the way.
The reason for this change of date was quite obvious. The mata-mata thought that this last moment summon of RPK would mean less media attention. The 5th estate mechanism showed their tongue to the authorities.
YB Wee, accompanied by Rocky attempted to enter the premises but was denied entrance but given no reason. No fuss was made because we knew that MP for Selayang, YB William Leong was with Raja Petra.
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The government must stop harassing bloggers such as Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) and the police should observe the World Press Freedom Day by respecting the freedom and the rights to free speech
Today, May 3, 2008, is the World Press Freedom Day and DAP’s struggle to establish a free media environment in Malaysia will continue. Our resolve is firmly strengthened with the people’s voice when Malaysians voted for change on March 8 2008.
Despite the strong call for reform, the federal government is slow to adapt to changes. The Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) which requires publishers and printers to apply for fresh permit annually has prevented free and independent journalism. This has led to even not only senior editors but also reporters resorting to self censorship.
Furthermore, repressive and preventive laws such as the Official Secrets Act, Sedition Act and Internal Security Act have contributed to the stifling of media freedom in this country, preventing journalists from reporting and writing independently.
In Malaysia, the situation has gone from bad to worse over the years. Last year’s Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index 2007 ranked Malaysia at 124, dropped from 92 in 2006. It was the worst ever ranking for country since 2002. Even under the tight control of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia was ranked 110th and 104th, in 2002 and 2003 respectively.
DAP has been voicing our concern and our ideas for freer Malaysia which also include freedom of the press and freedom of expression. Our ideas have been incorporated in many petitions and demands including Charter2000: A Malaysian Citizens’ Media Initiative which, among other things, demanded for:
* The enactment of a Freedom of Information Act, the provisions of which must be based on the reflections and recommendations of the widest possible spectrum of concerned groups and individuals as possible;
* The repeal of the PPPA, the ISA, the OSA, the Sedition Act, the University and University Colleges Act, and repressive clauses in all other legislation. In particular, the government must cease to require publishers and printing firms to obtain licences to publish;
* The cessation of abuse and manipulation of publicly owned media such as RTM and Bernama by the federal government;
* The reform of public and private media to ensure greater professionalism and high ethical standards while promoting justice, freedom and solidarity.
DAP regrets that Utusan Malaysia continues its arrogance by refusing to admit mistakes, even though it is caught red-handed for false reporting. I have been a victim of such Such unprofessional act and lies are the reasons why Utusan Malaysia has lost credibility with its readers do not trust what is published.
Our commitment to press and media freedom is genuine. A group of our Members of Parliament has set up a Caucus on Freedom of Expression and Information which will get more people to support the cause.
Focusing on the issue of media law reform, the freedom of information and equal access to the media for all, we will work with all interested parties to come up with a draft bill for the Freedom of Information Act. This will be done to replace the repressive Official Secrets Act.
DAP urges the federal government to continue the live telecast of question hour at the Parliament not just for 30 minutes, but the full 90 minutes. There is nothing to be afraid to show democracy in its truthful nature that despite all the negativity, democracy is still the best form of government that allows the rakyat to decide the future of their state. Democracy and press freedom can ensure good governance, especially the Penang’s CAT government of competency, accountability and transparency.
Only press freedom and the abolition of anti-human rights legislation can allow democracy to flourish and give birth to a more open and transparent society.
LIM GUAN ENG
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