[asia-apec 917] Re: ACTION ALERT; TIAN CHUA

[Robert Reid]

ASIA PACIFIC WORKERS SOLIDARITY LINKS

ACTION ALERT ACTION ALERT ACTION ALERT
ACTION ALERT ACTION ALERT ACTION ALERT

24 November 1998

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>