APSN | Change is definitely coming!

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Change is definitely coming!

Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) Press Release - September 16, 2011

Malaysian PM to relax curbs on civil liberties - Agence France Presse. September 15, 2011
Rising religious tensions corner Najib in Malaysia - Reuters. September 12, 2011
PSM sedition probe saga: Police not letting up - Malaysia Kini. September 2, 2011
Malaysian media accused of fueling religious tensions - Associated Press. August 31, 2011
Malaysia church raid stokes religious tensions - Agence France Presse. August 28, 2011

Most Governments make major reforms just when they come to power or when they are sliding downhill and desperate to clinch to power. We believe that Najib Razak falls in the second category. Change is definitely coming!

While many view the reforms announced by Najib with skepticism, PSM would like to pay tribute to the many organization and civil rights movement for their persistent struggle against the ISA and Emergency Ordinance including other draconian laws like the Restricted Residence Act, Printing and Publication Act and the Section 27 of the Police Act which curb freedom of Assembly. These reforms announced by Najib came after years of struggle and sacrifices of many people and organizations. Their efforts did not go to vain.

While PSM applaud this move, we hope these reforms are done immediately with strict datelines. We also call upon the Government to immediately acquit the many people who are currently facing charges under the Section 27 of the Police Act as well as drop charges on the PSM 30 whose case will proceed on the 10th. October 2011 as well as other charged under BERSIH related charges. We also ask the Government to allow those living in exile like P. Waythamoorthy and Raja Petra be allowed to come back to Malaysia without facing state prosecution. PSM also calls upon the Government to suspend all evictions under the Emergency Ordinance including those faced by the Ladang Bukit Jalil ex-plantation workers.

Meanwhile PSM is also disappointed that other draconian laws such as the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971, Societies Act 1966, Sedition Act etc is still in place and these laws have also contributed to major human rights violations. Meanwhile other demands by civil society such as the setting up of the IPCMC and the Freedom of Information Act have yet to be implemented and it is about time, it is done.

Finally in the spirit of Merdeka and the Malaysia Day, PSM calls upon the Government to recognize and to reconcile by recognizing all those who have contributed and played a part in the independence of Malaya. We call upon the Government to adhere to the Hatyai Peace Accord signed on the 2 December 1989 and allow all former MCP members to return to their country. It is time we put this chapter of our history behind us and move towards a nation committed to justice, democracy and equality.

Selamat hari Malaysia! Hidup Demokrasi!

Released by:
S. Arutchelvan
Secretary General
Parti Sosialis Malaysia
Tel: 019-2537791