Media statement by Lim Guan Eng Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, 15^th February 2011: 

Arrests of Human Rights Party 

Royal Malaysia Police(PDRM) will undo all their efforts in reducing crime by allowing themselves to be exploited as political tools of BN to be unleashed as and when necessary against those who oppose BN. The arrests of Human Rights Party(HRP) protesting against some derogatory contents in the school text "Interlok" is regrettable and an abuse of basic human rights and freedom to protest peacefully.

DAP urges the BN government to take into account the genuine concerns of Malaysians who feel insulted by derogatory descriptions in the book. Any failure to address these concerns would only show that 1Malaysia is all talk and no action.

DAP opposes the arrests of HRP members and urges the BN government to drop all charges against those who want to protest peacefully. In marking World, the BN government claims that it is committed towards resolving religious issues in the country and preserving the well-being of Malaysia's multi-racial community.

One of the key aspects of this Interfaith Harmony Week celebrations is freedom. Not just freedom of religious worship but also freedom of assembly and to dissent or protest peacefully. Such harsh actions against HRP members would be contrary to the basic charter as set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

*Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary General & MP for Bagan