Adam Adli’s comrades pick up his mantle, vow to keep struggle for human rights
Undeterred by student activist Adam Adli Abd Halim’s conviction and jail term in Putrajaya's ongoing sedition blitz, his comrades have pledged to continue his struggle for human rights despite the threat of prosecution under the colonial-era law.
Ashraf Zulkifli and Seth, both students in public universities, are adamant that their fight for better human rights in Malaysia will not take a backseat even if Adam goes to prison.
"We will not stop. We will not give up so easily and we will not be cowed into fearing the authorities," Ashraf told The Malaysian Insider.
Both are affliated with an activist group that goes by the moniker "Budak-Budak Bangsar" (Bangsar Kids), which conducts philosophy and politics classes, and organises soup kitchens and tuition for neighbourhood children as part of their activities.
"What we are doing now is part of enlightening society. We want a society where the people know their rights and that boils down to education," 22-year-old Ashraf said.
They admitted they have assured their parents that they would not get involved in anything "dangerous" until they graduate.
"To be honest, I am more afraid of disappointing my parents than I am afraid of the government or any other authority," said 21-year-old Seth, a photography major.
"That is my challenge... not to break their hearts. A lot of student activists that I know also only fear the same thing.
"But my parents know what I do. And they even support my cause. They are also the ones who exposed me to human rights issues and others that led me down this path," he said.
Ashraf, a History and Islamic Civilisation student, agreed that Adam's sedition conviction has not changed anything where his parents are concerned.
"They know I am not doing anything wrong. So right now, I do what I can do," he added.
Adam, who was also present at the interview, said Putrajaya was wrong if it thought that by charging him with sedition, it would put a stop to all student activism that called for human rights to be respected, justice and an end to oppression.
"This is not about me at all. It is about the struggle of what we are fighting for. I do not believe the crackdown against politicians, activists and others will deter the rest.
"There are many others doing more than me. They might think by arresting us, they are stopping or silencing us but what they fail to understand is that I am just part of the movement. There are more where I came from," said Adam.
Perak-born Ashraf was already involved in student activism when he was doing his matriculation in Kelantan, signing up with the Gerakan Mahasiswa Pantai Timur (Gempur).
"I first met Adam at a demonstration in 2011 where he pulled down a banner bearing a picture of Datuk Seri Najib Razak," said Ashraf.
"That's how I became more involved in human rights activism and I have worked with Adam since then."
Similarly, Seth was involved in several non-governmental organisations (NGO) when he joined Budak-Budak Bangsar.
"I was with a youth organisation called 'Buku Jalanan' and as I became more involved in it, my interest in activism grew," the Kuala Lumpur boy said.
He revealed that the poverty and oppression he had seen around him while growing up pushed him to fight for the rights of those affected.
"I could not understand it at that time. But then I watched a video on YouTube on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which said that people have a right to be sheltered and to get food.
"Unfortunately, our government is not in touch with the grassroots and to me, it is not fair. They have the resources to construct buildings but have failed to address the needs of the people. So until then, I will fight," he added.
As for Ashraf, although he had promised his parents that he would tread carefully with the authorities until he receives his degree, the spirit of activism burns brightly in him.
"I want to do something more than that, something that is different from what my parents want.
"So, this is my path. I chose it and I will see it through," he added. – September 28, 2014.
