We, as progressive political parties both in government and opposition worldwide, condemn the recent arrest in Malaysia of Penang’s Chief Minister and Secretary General of the Democratic Action Party Lim Guan Eng.
This marks another low point in the escalating crackdown on freedom of the opposition in the country which can be seen by arrests and detentions of key opposition politicians, activists and practitioners of law. The case of Lim Guan Eng and the many legal actions against the opposition raise growing concern about the independence of the judiciary, rule of law and status of human rights in Malaysia.
We firmly believe in the rule of law and the prosecution of any wrongdoing and abuse of power. However, this has to be done in a fair and transparent manner. The selective and politically motivated prosecution of members of the opposition has a dramatic detrimental effect on people’s trust in the political and judicial system in Malaysia.
Malaysia’s government has to recognize the importance of confidence in its judicial system and has to restore trust in its commitment to human rights especially in its role as member of the UN Security Council and member of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.
We express our full solidarity with the Democratic Action Party, the Malaysian democratic opposition movement, the family and friends of Mr. Lim Guan Eng, and the people of Malaysia. We have and will never stand inactive in witness of injustice and violation of human rights. We will work more closely with our Malaysian alliance partner, the Democratic Action Party, in upholding the truth and delivering equal justice for all.
