POLITICIANS and civil society leaders today accused Putrajaya of selective persecution, following police’s questioning of Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali for speaking at a women’s protest march against toxic politics in Kuala Lumpur four months ago.

They said they were puzzled by the move to question the wife of opposition leader Dr Mahathir Mohamad over her speech at the Purple Walk, a gathering of women united against the current state of Malaysian politics, in September last year.

“This is yet another classic example of political persecution by those desperately clutching at the straws of regime control,” PKR’s Nurul Izzah Anwar told The Malaysian Insight.

Former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan said Dr Siti Hasmah was being singled out by the cops, and this was a violation of her rights.

“I believe there is selective persecution. It is outrageous and unacceptable that they see it fit to question Dr Siti Hasmah over the rally.

“What human rights plan is the PM planning to unveil in March, when there is currently no respect for the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution?” Ambiga said, referring to a recent announcement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said that Putrajaya would unveil a National Human Rights Action Plan.

Dr Siti Hasmah, 91, had given a short speech, while standing on the back of a pickup truck, to some 1,000 women dressed in purple, who marched from the Maju Junction shopping mall to Pertama Complex in the city centre.

She had urged the women to oppose “toxic politics”, including injustice against women, political violence, the use of threats, racism, sexism, hate speech, abuse of the law and disregard for the federal constitution.

She was questioned earlier today at Dr Mahathir’s office at Yayasan al-Bukhary for allegedly violating the Peaceful Assembly Act.

Selangor Speaker Hannah Yeoh today said Putrajaya was intimidated by former prime minister Dr Mahathir and his wife, especially in the run-up to the 14th general election.

“They must have a lot to lose if they are so fearful of a vocal couple in their 90s. Either the cops are very slow in their work, or this is another case of political intimidation at work,” said the DAP leader.

If Dr Siti Hasmah had said something seditious that affected society negatively, DAP’s Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching urged police to explain the charges and details.

“If she said something seditious, why are police taking action only now?

“And so far, we have not seen how her speech negatively affected society. So, police must make it clear that the investigation does not have a political agenda.”

Lawyers for Liberty’s Eric Paulsen said Dr Sit Hasmah was being targeted on purpose, as she was now with the opposition.

He said her questioning, which came four months after the protest, was clearly meant to intimidate.

“This is a bad-faith and frivolous investigation. She is clearly being targeted – to intimidate and burden her – simply because she is now opposing the government.

“The four-month gap clearly points towards a lack of good faith.”

He said the protest had been carried out in line with fundamental liberties, and a police investigation was unnecessary.

“The protest was peaceful, in line with the rights of all Malaysians to assemble and speak peacefully. Police are wasting valuable resources, which should be used to investigate real crimes.” – January 26, 2018.