RALLY
Drop the Charges
Free Malaysian labour activists
Defend the right to organize
Tuesday 5 July
12.30-1.30pm
Malaysian Airlines
Nauru House, cnr Russell & Collins St, Melbourne CBD
More than 100 pro-democracy activists, including 31 Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) members, including two juveniles and the PSM’s parliamentarian Dr Michael Jeyakumar, have been detained. Many of the PSM activists have been tortured as well as detained. The PSM is a registered political party.
The Malyasian government is whipping up a massive red-scare campaign in the lead-up to a pro-democracy rally (Bersih 2.0) planned for July 9 in Kuala Lumpur and is resorting to repression to try to prevent an expectd huge attendance. The Bersih 2.0 rally is supported by many organisations including the PSM.
PSM activists were the first to be arrested on June 25 while they were distributing leaflets. They have been charged under Section 122 of the Penal Code (waging war against the Monarch and trying to revive the communist ideology) and have been remanded for seven days.
Those found guilty under Section 122 can be jailed for 20 years to life imprisonment!
The Malaysian government is attempting to frighten pro-democracy activists, particularly labour activists from campaigning for wages and workers’ rights through the use of such draconian laws. It is trying to create an “Emergency” environment where it can justify the use of the indefinite detention legislation (Internal Security Act) to stop the Bersih 2.0 rally.
The PSM and Malaysian labour activists have asked for support and solidarity worldwide.
Organised by Socialist Alliance. Supported by Australia Asia Worker Links and Socialist Party.
For information: 9639 8622, Sue 0413 377 978 or Ali 9017 6070.
