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'Being socialists our only crime'

Free Malaysia Today - July 8, 2011

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Petaling Jaya – The only "crime" committed by the six Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) activists detained under the Emergency Ordinance is that they are socialists.

In a statement via his lawyer, Sungai Siput MP Dr D Michael Jeyakumar, who is one of those detained, said: "We have not broken any law and our crime is that we are socialists and we are attempting to put the issues affecting the poorer 60% of Malaysians in the national agenda. eg. hospital privatisation, minimum wage and decent wages."

The others arrested were PSM deputy president M Saraswathy, central committee members Choo Chon Kai and M Sugumaran, youth chief R Sarathbabu and Sungai Siput branch secretary A Letchumanan.

They were initially arrested under Section 122 of the Penal Code for waging war against the King on June 25, and latter re-arrested under the EO on July 2.

Arguing against their detention, Jeyakumar said it was totally unwarranted and the activists were working within the democractic framework.

"The 'Udahlah bersaralah' campaign involves pamphlet distribution and awareness calls for the people to think properly for the general election. The action and activity is totally within the democratic space allowed by the (Federal) Constitution," he added.

He was also saddened by the police's inability to differentiate between national and constitutional rights.

Jeyakumar, a medical doctor by training, urged PSM activists and supporters to continue their struggle without fear. "Stand up for democratic rights and let us not allow this kind of intimidation hold us back," he said.