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KUALA LUMPUR – The charging of youth politicians and a student activist for protesting the rising prices of goods is politically motivated and meant to intimidate young people, Pakatan Harapan (PH) youth leaders said.
They were referring to the charging of Amanah Youth chief Hasbie Muda, Batu PKR Youth chief Muhd Sabda Suluh Lestari Yahya, and International Islamic University Student Union president Aliff Naif Mohd Fizam earlier today, for protesting at rallies last month over the government’s handling of rising living costs.
“We view this action not only as politically-motivated and intimidation aimed at suppressing the young people’s voice, but also a waste of court resources.
“The authorities should be investigating and prosecuting more serious crimes, including leaders who are corrupt and abuse their power,” PH Youth said in a statement.
The statement was signed by DAP Youth chief Dr Kelvin Yii, PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abd Halim, Amanah’s Hasbie, and Upko Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang.
“We call for the charges to be dropped and the authorities to focus on arresting and prosecuting those who have engaged in corruption, including the littoral combat ship issue, which has jeopardised the safety and sovereignty of the country.
“The government should listen to the people’s concerns and accept their demands, instead of punishing the people,” they said, adding that the right to peaceful assembly and free speech is protected in the federal constitution.
The three were charged this morning under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 at separate magistrates’ courts in Kuala Lumpur.
The charges pertain to their failure to notify police five days before staging gatherings.
Hasbie’s charge today was related to an event he had organised at Masjid Jamek, Kg Baru in July, while Sabda’s charge concerned a protest in front of the Sogo shopping complex on July 9.
Aliff’s charge also involved a protest at the latter location on July 23.
Hasbie and Aliff were both allowed bail of RM3,000 while Sabda was granted a RM7,000 bail.
If convicted, the three youths could be fined a maximum of RM10,000. – The Vibes, August 18, 2022