SHAH ALAM – The government risks facing the same electoral backlash as its predecessors if it continues to persecute activists, warned Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
His comments follow growing criticism over the ongoing prosecution of Muda members Amir Abdul Hadi and Amira Aisya Abd Aziz.
Amir is currently facing charges for participating in a peaceful assembly held prior to the last general election.
Meanwhile, Muda President Amira Aisya has been summoned by police over her involvement in a protest calling for reform of the appointment process for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki.
“It’s deeply ironic. Amir is being charged for protesting the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) corruption scandal...the same scandal many leaders in the current ruling coalition once protested against.
“Now that they are in power, they not only remain silent but continue the persecution of a courageous young leader who took a stand against corruption,” Syed Saddiq said after attending the What Are Syed Saddiq's Plans Moving Forward? programme at Karangkraf headquarters.
He also pointed to what he called a glaring inconsistency in Amira’s case, criticising the disproportionate response from authorities.
“Amira didn’t resort to extreme tactics or inflammatory language.
"She spoke calmly, as a policymaker, calling for reforms to avoid repeating past failures. And yet, she now faces police investigation and possible charges,” he said.
Syed Saddiq urged the government to reflect on its actions and uphold democratic values.
“If this government continues the same repressive practices as those before them, they will meet the same fate at the ballot box,” he added.