Syed Saddiq calls for end to police aggression at protests, urges systemic reform
Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman Photo by Mohd Halim Abdul Wahid/SINAR
SHAH ALAM – Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has called for sweeping reforms to policing and laws governing peaceful assemblies, following claims of police aggression during the recent Himpunan Aman Rakyat Benci Rasuah 2.0 rally.
The anti-corruption protest, held last Saturday, took a contentious turn after a student activist was allegedly manhandled and arrested without clear justification. The anti-corruption protest, held last Saturday, took a contentious turn after a student activist was allegedly manhandled and arrested without clear justification.
The incident has drawn criticism from activists and rights groups, who say it reflects a troubling pattern of intimidation and abuse of power within Malaysia's enforcement agencies.
These allegations stand in contrast to police statements claiming that their actions during the rally were fair and justified, further stoking public concern.
Speaking on the matter, Syed Saddiq stressed the importance of respecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
'Peaceful protest should be celebrated, not merely tolerated. This isn't just my view, it should be the position of any leader who wants to see Malaysia grow into a mature democracy,' he said when met at the Karangkraf headquarters.
He also pointed to the irony of the current administration's stance, noting that many of its leaders were once outspoken supporters of street protests while in the opposition.
'I remember clearly how some of those in power today used to rally for the right to peaceful assembly.
"We saw protests happening outside Parliament almost daily. When people are given space to voice their opinions, things stay peaceful,' he said.
Syed Saddiq warned that harsh responses by enforcement agencies could inflame tensions unnecessarily.
'When authorities start using force or intimidation, that's when things can spiral.
"My hope is for the government to reform the system, revise the laws, and ensure that the authorities handle such situations with greater sensitivity,' he said.
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