Media Statement by Loke Siew Fook in Petaling Jaya on Monday, 30^thMarch 2009:

BN’s unremitting and increasing resort to systematically harass and impede the free exercise of political freedoms

The BN’s unremitting and increasing resort to state apparatuses such as the police force, to systematically harass and impede the free exercise of political freedoms by all political parties and citizenry, continued unabated yesterday. Last night, at the Chin Woo Hall in Ipoh, during a film screening organized by DAP Perak, State Assemblyman YB Ong Boon Piow was taken for questioning by the police at 10.30 pm.

The police stated that they have acted based on a complaint, under the Film Censorship Act 2002. However, upon questioning by the lawyer of YB Ong, as to the identity of the complainant, the police was unable to provide an answer. This act represents another example of arbitrary and selective exercise of police powers in restricting freedom and silencing criticism, as confirmed by the recent escalation of oppressive state actions such as the sedition charge against DAP National Chairman and MP for Bukit Gelugor, Karpal Singh, the police sedition investigation against Johore State Opposition Leader, Dr. Boo Cheng Hau, the one-year suspension of DAP MP for Puchong, Gobind Singh Deo without parliamentary pay and privileges, the three-month suspension of Harakah and Suara Keadilan, the indiscriminate and high-handed police action against Pakatan Rakyat gatherings and ceramahs; etc.

Such exercise and use of the police force to further the hegemonic practices of the BN is to be condemned in the strongest terms by all freedom loving citizens and members of civil polity.

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