By Pei Hu
Impunity Watch, Asia
SHAH ALAM, Malaysia – On November 7th, a Malaysian court ordered the release of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, also known as “RPK”, an influential anti-government blogger for the widely read, Malaysia Today. In September, RPK was arrested for allegedly publishing material that ridiculed Islam and government authorities on his widely read website. Under the Internal Security Act (ISA), the Malaysian government allowed the arrest and detention of citizens without explanation. RPK was held without trial for eight weeks.
Due to intense international pressure, the high court in Shah Alam ruled that the Interior Minister, Syed Hamid Albar, had exceeded his authority to order RPK’s detention. According to Reporters Without Borders, the Malaysian Court has not reviewed an ISA case since 1987. “We are pleased to learn that the judge who ordered his immediate release said the government had failed to give sufficient grounds for holding him,” Reporters Without Borders said.
The Press Freedom Organization added, “This is an important day for free expression in Malaysia and for RPK, who will able to rejoin his family even if the authorities are clearly still keeping him under surveillance. The ISA is now undoubtedly a major obstacle to free expression for journalists, bloggers, and activists in Malaysia.”
However, RPK still faces charges of sedition relating to his reports linking Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Razak, to the murder of a Mongolian woman. Najib is expected to succeed the incumbent Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi.
Malaysia Today published a statement on RPK’s release and said, “The release of Raja Petra Kamarudin from ISA detention is a victory for the people of Malaysia.” The statement also criticizes the ISA, “Many others still languish in prison under the draconian ISA, including members of Hindraf and individuals allegedly involved with radical groups such as Jemaa Islamiyah. They all deserve the right of judicial review.”
“We have to fight all-out and get the ISA abolished,” RPK told reporters upon his release.
For more information, please see:
BBC –Malaysia Blogger’s Joy at Release – 7 November 2008
Malaysia Today – Press Statement – The Release of Raja Petra Kamarudin – 8 November 2008
RSF – Leading Blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin Finally Released – 7 November 2008
