They are asking for the release of all those detained and have expressed disapproval with the government's handling of the Bersih march.
The group of academics, who include political analysts Azmi Sharom, Terence Gomez and Lim Teck Ghee, said that the march was “undeniably noble”, and expressed disapproval that the government was resorting to “harsh measures and use of draconian laws” to stop the rally from happening.
“They are a legitimate expression of the freedom and rights of the citizens of a country. A government that uses laws, institutions and resources of the state to suppress or repress such activities undermines its own credibility and claim to practising democracy,” the academicians said in a statement today.
Some of the other signatories are well-respected local academics like Mustafa K Anuar, Andrew Aeria, Christopher Chong, Sharmani Gabriel, Francis Loh, Ooi Kee Beng, Janet Pillai, Johan Saravanamuttu, Tan Sooi Beng, Yeoh Seng Guan, Prof Zaharom Nain and Diana Wong.
The statement calls the relevant authorities not only to release all those who have been detained, but also for both the government and the opposition to commit to a code of peaceful conduct during the marches.
“Public assemblies and marches in support of causes that have attracted widespread public concern are a common feature of all democratic systems,” said the academics.
More than 150 people have been detained so far, mostly for wearing yellow T- shirts with the word “Bersih” written on them, in connection to the planned rally.
Six people, including Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) leader Dr M Jeyakumar, have been arrested for “waging war against the King” and are detained under the Emergency Ordinance (EO) which allows for detention without trial.
The Bersih march for clean and fair elections has met with opposition from several quarters, with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak calling it a plot by the opposition to “wrest back political momentum from the Barisan Nasional”.
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