Media Statement by Loke Siew Fook in Petaling Jaya on Monday, 13^th July 2009:

More suppression on freedom of movement – Najib’s ‘gift’ for democracy on 101^th day in office

DAPSY is extremely disappointed with the arrests of Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (DEMA) leaders, Ong Jing Cheng and Yap Heng Lung, who entered the UM campus to meet their friends yesterday.

The police’s reason for arresting the student movement leaders – of attempted illegal assembly in campus, which was established after finding a copy of a road safety memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister on their motorcycle, is ridiculous. How can a road safety memorandum be used as ‘evidence’ of an imaginary illegal assembly is really beyond me.

DAPSY wishes to remind the government that whatever ‘liberal’ reforms on the economy will not conceal the multiple wounds which have been inflicted upon the democratic society.

A truly developed society not only enjoys economic development but also human development. The lack of democracy and human rights is a major obstruction to human development. A tough challenge lies ahead for Malaysia if human development is to be realised effectively.

The Royal Malaysian Police Force which has arrested over 100 people since the start of Najib’s premiership has not stopped cracking down on the rights and freedoms of Malaysian citizens. After jogging, celebrating a birthday, and attending a dinner, looking for a friend is the latest entry in the police’s list of ‘illegal’ activities.

DAPSY demands the immediate release of Ong and Yap and the dropping of all possible charges, if any, against them.

* Loke Siew Fook, by DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) National Chairman & MP for Rasah