The deputy information minister has come in for criticism after calling for the destruction of audio-visual archive materials related to the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok took Maglin Dennis D'Cruz (left) to task for saying that such material could lead to unrest and was therefore unsuitable to be preserved in the Audiovisual Material Documentation and Restoration Centre of the National Archives.The deputy minister was speaking at an event held in conjunction with Unesco's World Day for Audiovisual Heritage.
Kok described his remarks as symptomatic of BN's "denial syndrome" and said it would be foolish to erase history.
"He cannot erase the feeling of solidarity and pride felt by (rally participants) when they recognised in each other, not a Melayu, a Cina or an India, but a fellow-Malaysian who shares the dream of a more democratic and socially just Malaysia, and is willing to stand up for it," she said in a statement today.
She pointed out that the videos have already been broadcast worldwide and are readily available online. As such, attempting to hide it now would only turn Malaysia into the laughing stock of the world.
Kok also said it is an insult to suggest that the rally had been anything but peaceful because the coalition of NGOs had opposed the use of violence.
She blamed any "national unrest" on "unnecessary road-blocks" and "disproportionate use of force" by the authorities in attempting to prevent the rally.
"Perhaps the true reason he would like to have the audio-visual evidence of Bersih 2.0 destroyed is to hide the government’s oppression and abuse of power," Kok added.
No comments:
Post a Comment