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EO6 remain scarred, with unanswered questions

Malaysian Socialist Party (PSM) Statement - July 29, 2012

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Today, July 29, marks the first year anniversary of the release of the PSM EO6 who were robbed of their freedom on June 25, 2011, when they were detained with 26 others.

On July 2, 2011, they were technically released but rearrested under the Emergency Ordinance.

The six, M Saraswathy, Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, Choo Chon Kai, Sarat Babu, M Sukumaran, and A Letchumanan were detained for another 28 days in solitary confinement without the right to trial.

Their release came about only after a massive local and international campaign which saw people from all walks of life standing together against injustice and tyranny.

As we commemorate their release one year ago, we at PSM would like to thank all those who stood in the part of justice, fairplay and democracy. Without the intervention of the many, the EO6's release would not have been possible.

One year has passed. Under pressure, the ruling party has dismantled some draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act, lifted the three emergencies as well as enacted the Freedom of Assembly Act and other bills.

These old laws were replaced with new bills and laws with new names. Yet we remain sceptical that real change has taken place. One year later, we still seek justice on the many allegations and fabrications levelled at us.

Among them, we were accused of waging a war against the Agong, planning to bomb police stations, our buses carried weapons, we have a conspiracy with international terrorist groups, we possessed subversive documents, we plan to revive the Malayan Communist Party, we posed a threat to public order and that we were the key organiser of Bersih 2.0 rally.

Meanwhile detained PSM members, apart from being deprived of the freedom, have also been subjected to insults, assaults, humiliations and trauma. The scar remains forever.

One year later, the questions remain unanswered. Till today, we continue to seek answers and justice. While we await our court date, the perpetrators have yet to apologise or answer our questions raised in letters, memorandums, Parliamentary questions and police reports.

One year later our quest to seek a better Malaysia and a better world continues. Udahlah tu, Bersaralah.... It is time for change.

S. Arutchelvan
Secretary-General
Parti Sosialis Malaysia