Malaysia is under scrutiny for its poor human rights record. Most of it was highlighted recently by a journalist who wishes to be annexed to a police force contingent to observe how criminal and arrestees are treated in the nation.
As the journalist awaits for his exploratory trip, and the Malay courts stalsl his permit to join the police force, he is trying to give a preview of what he thinks are brutal forces at work in law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Malay representatives at the UN are presenting a govt proposal that would repeal laws that are seen to be in violation of human rights. Such efforts by the Malay government however, are seen are half hearted by the international community in the face of the recent crackdowns and general attitudes towards law enforcement.
The Malay government in fact had just re-introduced legislation that goes back to 1958 citing a significant increase in violent crimes. The crackdown that followed, most of it in the month of July, saw almost 500,000 people been scrutinized, and 16,000 detained, without a proper, if any, judicial recourse procedure in place for the targeted individuals.
To make matters worse, the Home MInister has declared his support for a 'shoot first' policy when it comes to dealing with crime.
These words were abided by what is seen as an increasingly corrupt police force, which could considerably worsen the picture in the current climate of repression.
But NGOs officials have reiterated their deep concern for the erosion of civil and political liberties, since the crackdown could also engulf the political landscape, and criminalize or penalize even common political dissent. In fact, the recent election saw the Barisan National coalition rise to power, amidst questions about both the election's transparency and the agenda the party seems to have adopted.
In addition, the Malay landscape seems to have shifted towards a sectarian division. The human rights advocates cite an increase in persecution of predominantly Shi'a citizens.
At the same time that the ruling party is sitting in Geneva trying to demonstrate their adherence to international standards and trying to convince the world of being moderate and progressive, more and more intellectual dissidents are being incarcerated.
Partial Source : Al Jazeera/ 10.23.13
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