The local human rights group said the arrest of the eight on Sunday (Sept 16) marks the 10th youth activist arrested within one week. Suaram emphasised that the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and is a key foundation of a democratic society. "Now that the shoe is on the other foot, the Pakatan Harapan administration cannot wash their hands of the responsibility that falls on them when state apparatus violates the right to peaceful assembly." Sevan added that the fact that the Pakatan administration is "open to public dialogue" does not mean that they can belittle those who chose to express their thoughts and beliefs through public protests. He cautioned that the denial of human rights contributed to the downfall of the Barisan Nasional administration, and the same fate could befall the Pakatan administration.

Source: The Star September 16, 2018 12:00 UTC