![\"\"](\"https:\/\/klscah.org.my\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/shuhaimi-shafiei.jpg\" "\\"shuhaimi-shafiei\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nAs freedom of expression is the foundation of a democratic society, crackdown on free speech only makes check and balance impossible and opens up opportunities for abuse of power and violation of rule of law, bringing our society to a dark age.<\/p>\n
Suhaimi has a legitimate right to comment on the appointment of Selangor secretary Khusrin. All citizens \u2013 not even exclusive for elected representatives – have right to criticize the decisions and acts of any public institutions \u2013 the Executive, the Judiciary, the Legislative, the Election Commission and the Palace \u2013 for the health of our democracy, federalism and constitutional monarchy. This is the essence of freedom of expression<\/p>\n
We hold that the police report against Suhaimi accusing him of \u201ctraitor\u201d is devoid of common sense. What the former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir has done decades ago with constitutional amendment to curb the royal power was far more serious than Suhaimi\u2019s comment.<\/p>\n
The AG Chamber must therefore stop selective prosecution of opposition politicians and netizens on their legitimate comments related to the health of democracy, federalism and constitutional monarchy. It must act independently rather than becomes a tool of political persecution.<\/p>\n
We categorically refute the view of Gerakan Kedah Youth Chief Tan Keng Liang that Suhaimi\u2019s case is a \u201cpersonal case\u201d. The prosecution of Suhaimi is clearly a case of political persecution. We applaud the Selangor State Government for providing legal aid to defend the freedom of expression of its state assemblyperson. It is a noble act to uphold human rights and social justice in the state of Selangor.<\/p>\n
Tan must remember, the responsibility of having the Selangor tax payers to pay for the legal cost lies solely with the Barisan Nasional Federal Government, in which his party participates. If conscience can be his guide, Tan should instead demand the BN Federal Government to drop the charge or demand his Gerakan Party to provide legal support.<\/p>\n
The Najib Administration must understand that people demand real democratic reform, not a flowery slogan of political propaganda. If the PM is serious about \u201cPeople First\u201d, he must immediately stop the persecution of Suhaimi, and also abolish all draconian laws designed to control and censor the media.<\/p>\n
Endorsing Organizations :<\/strong><\/span>
\n1.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Civil Rights Committee of KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall
\n2.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Civil Society Committee of LLG Cultural Development Centre
\n3.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Writers Alliance for Media Independence
\n4.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0528 Media Action Group
\n5.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia
\n6.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Suara Rakyat Malaysia
\n7.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET)
\n8.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Perak Youth Graduate Association
\n9.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
\n10.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Youth Section of Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall
\n11.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Youth for Change
\n12.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER)
\n13.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Women’s Aid Organistion
\n14.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Malaysia Youth & Students Democratic Movement(DEMA)
\n15.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0New Era College Alumni Association
\n16.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Bahagian Pemuda Persatuan Murid-murid Tua Sekolah Serdang Bharu
\n17.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Persatuan Komuniti Prihatin Kuala Lumpur & Selangor
\n18.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Amnesty International Malaysia
\n19.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Persatuan Alumni PBTUSM Selangor & KL
\n20.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS)
\n21.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (PERMAS)
\n22.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Community Action Network (CAN)
\n23.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Friends of Suaram Johor<\/p>\n