“It must be made clear that this type of investigations have absolutely no place in Malaysia today.
“The police have a duty to protect the citizens of Malaysia and not submit them to abusive laws that continue to taint this country’s image,” the former Bersih 2.0 chairman said in a statement today.
Fadiah was called up by the police under the Peaceful Assembly Act just a day after being questioned under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 over an article that she wrote which touched on the monarchy.
“I am appalled by the police investigations over her article.
“I am further enraged that Fadiah will be hauled up again by the police on July 17 under section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act for attending a solidarity gathering in support of her.
“This shows that police intimidation is still very much alive.”
In the statement, Maria said it was time for the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) to be implemented to restore integrity and respect to the police force.
“As a new government, we need to show leadership and abolish draconian laws such as the Peaceful Assembly Act and the Sedition Act with immediate effect.”
Maria said although there may be disagreements over Fadiah’s postings, there was no cause for her to be hauled in twice by the police under the Peaceful Assembly Act and Sedition Act.
“Both these acts have already been earmarked to be abolished in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto as they violate human rights.
“Moving towards a democratic Malaysia means that we must forge a clear pathway to end further human rights abuses.
“There should be no compromise on this.”
Earlier, other organisations had also urged the Pakatan Harapan government to abolish the Sedition Act as promised.
They included Suaram, Suhakam, National Human Rights Society (Hakam) and lawyers including Ramkarpal Singh.
Adjourn Sedition Act cases pending review, Ramkarpal tells courts