Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 11:31:38 +1100 From: rc&am <rcollins-AT-netlink.com.au> Subject: AUT: malaysia alert ASIA PACIFIC WORKERS SOLIDARITY LINKS 24 November 1998 ACTION ALERT - ACTION ALERT - ACTION ALERT TIAN CHUA ARRESTED FOR SECOND TIME IN MALAYSIA Labour, human rights and political activist Tian Chua was arrested with three others in Kuala Lumpur late on Saturday night 21 November. His arrest followed the police break-up of the traditional Saturday night "reformasi" demonstration. However Tian Chua was not arrested at this demonstration. This is the second arrest for Tian Chua over the last two months. He was arrested, detained and beaten for one night on Monday 28 September. Tian is coordinator of the Labour Resource Centre in Kuala Lumpur and a member of the human rights group SUARAM. He is Chairperson of the Coalition for Peoples Democracy. Tian Chua was one of the main organisers of the Asia Pacific Peoples Assembly that was held in Kuala Lumpur prior to the APEC Ministerial and Leaders meetings. Tian was spokesperson for the anti-globalisation demonstration that was held by APPA participants on Sunday 15 November. On 16 November, he appeared on the local Dateline television show with New Zealand Trade Unionist Robert Reid criticising the APEC agenda. Later that night the pair were harassed, photographed and videoed by police as they stood outside the Putra World Trade Centre where the APEC Business Summit gala dinner was being held. On 17 November Tian went to Bangkok for a few days as a trainer at a seminar organised by the International Chemical Energy, Mining and General Workers Federation (ICEM). He returned to KL later in the week. Unlike his first arrest where he was detained for one night, as of today Tian is still being held under detention. Workers at SUARAM believe that he may still be held for seven days when charges will have to be laid. Malaysian opposition parties and peoples organisations were always worried about a crack-down by the Mahathir Government following the completion of the APEC Summit. Their concern was raised further following the attack of US Vice President Al Gore on the Malaysian Government prior to the APEC Summit. The feeling was very much "with friends like Gore who needs enemies." The comments of Al Gore has enabled Mahathir to brand all those seeking political reform as anti- nationalist and pro-US or pro-CIA. People such as opposition politician and lawyer Karpal Sing, SUARAM spokesperson Elizabeth Wong, Peoples Party leader Dr Syed Husin Ali, Islamic Party editor Zulkifli Sulong and noted Professor Chandra Muzaffar have all expressed their concern at the negative impact that the Gore remarks will have on the movement for reform. Please send messages demanding the release of Tian Chua and the others arrested on 21 November to the Malaysian Government and police. Please mention in your letters that Tian is a well known opponent of free trade and US foreign policy. Please address your letters to: 1. Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad Prime Minister of Malaysia Jalan Dato Onn 50502 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fax: +60-3-298 4172 / +60-3-238 3784 2. Datuk Mokhtar Abdullah Attorney-General of Malaysia Jabatan Peguam Negara Malaysia Tingkat 20, Bangunan Bank Negara Malaysia, Jalan Tangsi Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fax: +60-3-298 4172 3. Tan Sri Rahim Noor Inspector-General of Police Ibu Pejabat Polis Persekutuan Bukit Aman Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fax: +60-3-291 0707 Please also send deputations or protest letters to your nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate. We would be grateful if you could also send copies of your letters to SUARAM at suaram-AT-geocities.com Asia Pacific Workers Solidarity Links (APWSL) P.O. Box 11-123, Wellington, New Zealand Tel / Fax: 64-4-389 5399 E-mail: <rreid-AT-actrix.gen.nz --- from list aut-op-sy-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu ---
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