18 July 2006
A press statement by Article 11, a coalition of Malaysian NGOs committed to upholding the fundamental rights of all Malaysians regardless of religion, race, descent, place of birth or gender.
Article 11 is saddened to hear that the Johor Umno Youth and the Johor PAS have called on the police and the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAIJ) to stop the Article 11 public forum planned for Saturday, 22 July in Johor Bahru (as reported in The Sun, 18 July 2006).
Article 11 would like to take this opportunity to clarify that the forum, entitled “Federal Constitution: Protection for All”, will focus on the supremacy of the Federal Constitution and the rights it guarantees to all Malaysian citizens. The forum will also emphasise the need for a judicial system that protects everyone. In recent cases, judges have declined to adjudicate on pressing issues simply because they involved some elements of Islamic law, leaving litigants without any remedy. This is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs and one which no civil society must endure.
The roadshow organised by Article 11, comprising similar public forums which have been held in Petaling Jaya, Malacca and Penang, is intended to highlight the concerns of civil society resulting from the plight of various individuals who are unable to obtain legal redress and who suffer as a result of the current jurisdictional uncertainty in the courts. The forums should in no way be deemed “sensitive” as it is not the intention of the organisers to insult any religion, including Islam. Rather, Article 11 is committed to using each forum as an opportunity for discussion and to seek just solutions. In addition, Article 11 intends to broaden its public education activities beyond the forums, and is receptive to engaging in dialogue with persons and groups with differing views, with the aim of seeking just solutions.
Despite the disruption by protestors of the Penang public forum held in May, Article 11 is committed to continuing its roadshow. Article 11 would like to clarify that police permits are not required for such events as they are held behind closed doors and participants are required to register for each event. The organisers advocate the democratic rights of individuals and groups, and defend their freedom to assemble, to associate and to express their views.
Article 11 has written to the OCCI (Officer in Charge of Criminal Investigation) Johor, OCPD Johor Bahru and the Inspector-General of Police to enlist police assistance to ensure that the public forum occurs without incident. We trust that the police will take all necessary steps to ensure that the forum can proceed peacefully.
Finally, Article 11 urges members of the public to attend the forum, to listen to the views presented and to participate in the question-and-answer session which will allow all views to be aired. Article 11 looks forward to a peaceful and productive event.
Places are limited and registration is a must. To register (please provide full name, telephone number and email address) or make enquiries, contact Vizla or Oysim at 013 390 0481 or at wao@po.jaring.my.