Home Ministry continues to harass NGO

Despite having recorded statements for three hours on July 3, Pusat Komas director Tan Jo Haan, is told to present himself at the ministry’s office over ‘No Fire Zone’.

PETALING JAYA: Human rights NGO Pusat Komas said today the Home Ministry is still harassing it over the screening of controversial documentary ‘No Fire Zone’ on July 3.

Pusat Komas director, Tan Jo Haan, described the ministry’s request yesterday for him to present himself at the Home Ministry’s office to give a statement as “highly unnecessary”.

“It is disruptive to my work and is a form of harassment. Statements were recorded from my staff and colleagues for more than three hours on the night (of screening),” said Tan.

Tan posted police bail for his Komas colleagues who were detained by the Dang Wangi police on July 3.

“These intimidation tactics to curb freedom of expression and speech is disappointing especially when their basic rights are in guaranteed in Article 10 of the Federal constitution,” he added.

Tan said he received a fax notice from the ministry yesterday requiring him to be present at their office to record his statement on the issue.

He also said he received a telephone call early in the day from an officer by the name of Akilah Bakri requesting his attendance.

“I asked why it was necessary to issue a notice when I was present when ministry officials and the police arrested three staff members and the Komas director during the screening of the film.

“I reminded her that I was not asked to give a statement then. Akilah replied that they now see it necessary to record my statement,” said Tan.

“Despite my objections to this form of unnecessary harassment by the ministry, I nevertheless agreed to be present at the ministry’s office together with my legal counsel on July 22.”

‘No Fire Zone’ is a movie by British director Callum Macrae, depicting war crimes committed by Sri Lankan troops against ethnic Tamil minority in the final days of the nation’s civil war.

About 30 policemen and home ministry officials gatecrashed the movie screening on July 3 and instructed the event organisers to give statements at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters.

The Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), Pusat Komas and Suaram criticised the ministry and urged the Sri Lankan High Commission not to hide behind Putarajaya in trying to suppress free speech.

KLSCAH’s human rights chairman, Liau Kok Fah, dismissed Sri Lankan High Commissioner Ibrahim Ansar’s statement that the movie was not approved by the Malaysian film censorship board, saying it was screened in other countries without hassle.