Sungai Siput MP Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj will begin a hunger strike on Thursday until he and five others detained under the Emergency Ordinance are released or are brought to court to be charged.
The EO is an oppressive law that allows the government the right to imprison victims without trial for indefinite periods of time, often years. In the runup to the July 9, Jeyakumar and 5 other PSM members were arrested for rekindling Communism and waging war against the King.
A court affadavit filed by the police later stated they were arrested for being involved in Bersih-related activities. Yet, despite the charges being much less serious than toppling the government or treason, and also in view that the more 1,600 people arrested in the Bersih rally had already been freed, Prime Minister Najib has refused to release the EO 6.
Lost faith
According to Jeyakumar’s wife, Mohanarani Rasiah, he will begin the hunger strike on July 28 "to get justice" and will only stop until they are either released or brought to court to be formally charged.
"When I met my husband on July 27, he was feeling very frustrated and disappointed with the police and government’s stand on the six PSM activists detained under the EO since July 2,” said Mohanarani, adding that he had lost faith in the police.
“I advised him against it because of his health but he resolved to do so until the PSM6 are released or charged in court. He said the police refused to budge even though the PSM6 have been fully co-operative and answered all the questions during the interrogations.
Head shaving on Saturday
Mranwhile, human rights group Suaram Penang is organising a head-shaving protest for the EO6 at the Pasar MPPP, Bayan Baru, Penang this Saturday. They reminded supporters to wear yellow and to show solidarity by turning up, even if they did not wish to shave their heads.
“Dr Jeyakumar had told the police and Putrajaya to be honest when reviewing the work and activities of PSM. He said criticisms against the government are a democratic right,” said his wife.
“He demands the Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein play a role in freeing the detainees or bringing them to court. Until that day comes, he will go on a hunger strike."
