By Clara Chooi
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Human rights watchdog Proham today pleaded an end to the “vendetta” against Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan by detractors critical of her demands for clean elections.
The group expressed concern over alleged attempts by numerous parties to “demonise” Ambiga (picture) by burning her poster or demanding her citizenship be revoked.
Even more “troubling”, said Proham, was the extensive coverage given to these anti-Ambiga efforts in the mainstream media.
“Proham is of the opinion that Ambiga is acting within her constitutional rights and in the best interest of the nation for a clean and fair elections.
“She is a responsible Malaysian who, as a former chairman of the Bar Council, has won Malaysian and international recognition for her dedication and for her stand for justice,” Proham wrote in a statement today signed by its leaders Tan Sri Simon Sipaun, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Prof Hamdan Adnan and Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria.
“We believe, like most Malaysians, that she has kept the nation’s best interests at the foremost.
“Indeed we must commend her highly for her courage, commitment and perseverance in her pursuit for truth and justice,” they added.
The group also urged for more open discussions and peaceful assemblies for purposes deemed good for Malaysia, instead of efforts to incite anger and hatred towards genuine groups and individuals.
It asked the police and Home Affairs Ministry to advise these “negative and disruptive” groups, including the mainstream media, against proceeding with efforts to demonise Ambiga.