AUSTRALIA – Malaysians in Australia headed out to rally in support of the #Lawan protest held by their Malaysian comrades near Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur today.
The Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia said it approves of the demands made by the rally’s organiser, Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR), and calls on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his cabinet to immediately resign.
They also called on police to cease any intimidation and harassment of activists, journalists and citizens, who are merely exercising their freedom of expression.
Gatherings were recorded in Adelaide and Melbourne.
The council, in a joint press release with the Malaysian Progressives in Australia, said it has collected 88 signatures condemning activist Sarah Irdina Mohammad Ariff’s detention, linked to the #Lawan rally under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
“Although Sarah Irdina has since been released, this incident highlights a more important matter: the continued suppression of youth voices.
“Unfortunately, this is one of many instances where Malaysian police have used emotional manipulation and intimidation to try and silence activists.
“This is a blatant suppression of human rights and the freedom of expression protected under the federal constitution of Malaysia.
“The timing of this arrest under an archaic and draconian law reveals a government that is desperate to cling to power and terrified of its own people.”
Demanding rights from Adelaide
A spokesman from a rally in Adelaide told The Vibes that they gathered as like-minded Malaysians looking to express their disapproval of the mismanagement of the country, assault on democratic institutions, and intimidation of activists and doctors.
“We want the government to know that what is happening back home is not just an issue affecting Malaysians in Malaysia, but also those abroad who have friends and families that are struggling and dying.
“We want the government to know that we are not afraid to speak out despite the intimidation.
“Sarah Irdina and all the intimidated activists are, like all of us, Malaysians at heart, who want nothing but the best for our country. Therefore, in times of injustice and tyranny by the illegitimate Muhyiddin government, the only way to fight is to speak up.”
Despite the national turmoil, the spokesman said they believe there is still a future for Malaysia.
“It is our duty to speak out when something is not right. We are not just leaders of tomorrow, but also leaders of today.
“The future is ours, so the present is worth fighting for. And we urge all Malaysians who believe in the same to stand with us and fight alongside us.” – The Vibes, July 31, 2021
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