Bebaskan segera 2 aktivis Mandiri, gesa pemimpin DAP

Three leaders of the DAP (Democrat Action Party) have urgently demanded the immediate release of two Mandiri activists, Amir Hadi and Dobby Chew, after they were detained by the police. Dr Kelvin Yii, Kasthuri Patto and Raja Ahmad Iskandar Fareez, all members of the DAP Executive Committee (CEC), questioned the necessity of the detention.

They argued that the authorities should explain why these two individuals needed to be detained while the investigation should continue without denying their freedom. The three leaders stressed that the police have the responsibility to investigate any allegations of misconduct, but the action must be based on evidence, facts, and free from political bias or preconceptions that they are guilty.

They also questioned the actions of freezing bank accounts, restricting travel, and searching Mandiri offices, asserting that such steps can jeopardize the safety, operations, and human rights advocacy work of the activists. They added that the investigation should not be used as a form of punishment or intimidation before any charges are dropped.

Mandiri subsequently clarified that Amir and Chew were detained under the Prevention of Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing and Illicit Activities Act 2001 (Amla) and will be brought to the Jinjang police station overnight. The NGO, which questions whether their detention has any connection to their efforts to expose corruption, will hold a demonstration outside the Jinjang police station at 8pm.

The DAP leaders also called for a review of the freezing of accounts and travel restrictions and insisted that any action that lacks foundation should be revoked immediately. They stated that Amir and Chew must be given access to a lawyer, clearly informed about the basis of their detention, and receive all necessary legal protection.

Furthermore, they urged the Home Minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, to provide explanations regarding the coercive measures taken by the police. "The commitment to reform Malaysia must be embodied through an institution that upholds legal supremacy, ensures accountability, protects rights, and permits the advocacy of human rights to continue without hindrance or intimidation."