SARAH Irdina Mohammad Ariff, the youth activist who was held overnight in police custody for an anti-government tweet, said she is not free until her country is.

The International Relations student at a private university said it was her first brush with the police, but the harrowing experience affirmed her choice to fight for a better Malaysia.

“These intimidation tactics by the government are done to silence us, but we will not let that happen,” Sarah told The Malaysian Insight.

“We have to keep on fighting for the Malaysia that we deserve, and the Malaysia our future generations deserve.”

The 20-year-old was arrested on July 29 for a tweet urging young people to take part in the #Lawan protest calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

She was arrested and is under investigation for sedition and misusing the internet.

“The recent crackdown on activists has definitely made it scary for youth to dissent.

“I know a lot of us are angry, but I remind everyone to also always put their safety first. This doesn’t mean not voicing out, but being clever and cautious when doing so,” she said.

Even before the #Lawan rally last Saturday, the authorities have visited the young organisers at home, and questioned them and their families.

Sarah told The Malaysian Insight that the police raided her home, but not before taking her to the Dang Wangi police headquarters.

Thereafter, Sarah was brought to the Jinjang lockup, where she was held until 1am.

Sarah’s family was also not exempted from intimidation, which took place a few days before the rally.

Sarah’s mother, who did not want to be named, said as a parent, she understood why parents did not want their children to take part in protests like #Lawan.

“But I implore parents to be as supportive as possible. What they do is for the betterment of our country and  their future.

“It is high time we come together as parents supporting our children to get the Malaysia that we all deserve,” she said.

None of Sarah’s parents are activists.

Sarah said the recent #Lawan protests, both online and offline, showed that many supported the cause.

“My idea of a better Malaysia is one that cares and protects every single person; where the needs of all, and not just the 1%, are first and foremost prioritised.

“I dream of a Malaysia that understands that we can only be as strong as the weakest in our society.

“And so long as I have this dream, I will not stop fighting for a Malaysia that prioritises its people before profit,” she said.

Sarah said she was just an ordinary person from Sungai Buloh who has only be involved in activism for about a year.

“I have grasped that there is so much to learn about grassroots organising and youth empowerment itself.

“Being surrounded by such brilliant activists who tirelessly guide and inspire me through their work has enriched my knowledge in activism,” she said.

Sarah, who has two younger siblings, said injustice and personal encounters had sparked a flame within her.

“It’s important to me that I use my privilege to help those without it. Privilege means having the luxury of choice.

“For vulnerable communities, being political is not a choice. It’s a matter of life and death.” – August 6, 2021.