ALIRAN is appalled at the determined effort of the police to stop a peaceful campaign by Jerit to raise awareness on food shortages, environmental problems, draconian laws and the financial crisis.
Jerit is highlighting these important issues by getting two teams of cyclists to "Ride for Change". Both these teams took off simultaneously – one from Johor Baru and the other from Alor Star on Dec 3. It would have taken them 16 days to reach Kuala Lumpur on Dec 18 where both the teams would converge and proceed to Parliament House to deliver a six-point memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Why are the police in a frenzy to frustrate this attempt? Why is this endeavour by peaceful means viewed as if it posed a threat to peace? Why are so many police personnel and vehicles used when crime is so rampant and needing urgent attention?
What is bewildering is the fact that in spite of having informed the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan of this programme, these harassments, intimidations and arrests have taken place on a daily basis.
People are wondering why the police can’t put in as much enthusiasm and determination in going after the criminals who have become the bane of society. Snatch thefts, murders, house-breaking, robberies, kidnappings, rapes, etc have become daily occurrences simply because the police are no longer perceived as being effective in combating crime.
Why are the police hell-bent in wanting to stop this peaceful campaign which is undertaken on behalf of the people and for the good of the people? Where is the threat and who is being threatened by this endeavour that is aimed at compelling the Barisan government to focus on the real issues affecting the rakyat instead of indulging in politics to perpetuate its power. So many police reports have been lodged on corruption, abuse of power, violations of human rights, disregard for rule of law, etc but why have the police not displayed as much enthusiasm in trying to solve all these grievances?
So far 23 arrests have taken place involving the team from the south and 53 arrests involving the team from the north. Those arrested were taken to police stations for statements to be recorded and particulars to be checked before being released. This has resulted in a lot of time being wasted which could have been devoted to fighting real criminals and curbing crime.
It is unfortunate that the police are being perceived as the tool of the ruling party in the way they conduct themselves. They seem more intent in going after dissidents and social activists to ensure the power of the BN rather than tackling crime and criminals. This police conduct is not acceptable to the people in a democracy.
P. Ramakrishnan
President Aliran
The Sun
12/12/08
Jerit is highlighting these important issues by getting two teams of cyclists to "Ride for Change". Both these teams took off simultaneously – one from Johor Baru and the other from Alor Star on Dec 3. It would have taken them 16 days to reach Kuala Lumpur on Dec 18 where both the teams would converge and proceed to Parliament House to deliver a six-point memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Why are the police in a frenzy to frustrate this attempt? Why is this endeavour by peaceful means viewed as if it posed a threat to peace? Why are so many police personnel and vehicles used when crime is so rampant and needing urgent attention?
What is bewildering is the fact that in spite of having informed the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan of this programme, these harassments, intimidations and arrests have taken place on a daily basis.
People are wondering why the police can’t put in as much enthusiasm and determination in going after the criminals who have become the bane of society. Snatch thefts, murders, house-breaking, robberies, kidnappings, rapes, etc have become daily occurrences simply because the police are no longer perceived as being effective in combating crime.
Why are the police hell-bent in wanting to stop this peaceful campaign which is undertaken on behalf of the people and for the good of the people? Where is the threat and who is being threatened by this endeavour that is aimed at compelling the Barisan government to focus on the real issues affecting the rakyat instead of indulging in politics to perpetuate its power. So many police reports have been lodged on corruption, abuse of power, violations of human rights, disregard for rule of law, etc but why have the police not displayed as much enthusiasm in trying to solve all these grievances?
So far 23 arrests have taken place involving the team from the south and 53 arrests involving the team from the north. Those arrested were taken to police stations for statements to be recorded and particulars to be checked before being released. This has resulted in a lot of time being wasted which could have been devoted to fighting real criminals and curbing crime.
It is unfortunate that the police are being perceived as the tool of the ruling party in the way they conduct themselves. They seem more intent in going after dissidents and social activists to ensure the power of the BN rather than tackling crime and criminals. This police conduct is not acceptable to the people in a democracy.
P. Ramakrishnan
President Aliran
The Sun
12/12/08
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