ACTIVISTS must not be subjected to violence and intimidation, the Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4) said, following the discovery of a bomb under the car of a human rights lawyer.

C4 condemned the act and called on the police to swiftly probe into the case of Siti Kasim to uncover the perpetrator.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain has confirmed that the case is classified as attempted murder. 

“We stand in solidarity with activists against violence and intimidation,” C4 said in a statement today.

“The recent attempt on Siti Kasim’s life is a cause for alarm and completely unacceptable as it indicates the hostile environment faced by local activists and human rights defenders.”

On July 21, an object was found attached to the bottom of Siti car. Police later confirmed it was an IED (improvised explosive device)

Razarudin said police were looking for the people who had placed the bomb. 

The top cop said police were tracing fingerprints on the bomb and analysing other evidence to track down the suspects.

“The bomb (placed under Siti’s car) is a serious crime and such a threat is akin to attempted murder. Further investigations are being conducted by the Kuala Lumpur police,” he was quoted as saying.

C4 said Siti has long campaigned on behalf of indigenous people, both as an activist and as a lawyer defending them in court, and this incident took place days before she was due to drive to Kelantan to appear in court.

“Siti is also well-known for her outspokenness against religious extremism in the country. 

“As a result, she has faced much criticism and hostility from people who oppose her work and beliefs.

“We call upon the authorities to afford Siti the protections she needs under the law.”

C4 said the government has a duty to defend the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

“Those who exercise this right must be protected against intimidation and threats to their life and limb.

“Hence, investigations into the matter must take place as urgently and efficiently as possible, prioritising the apprehension of the individual or group responsible before they can act again.”

C4 added that these matters must be taken seriously by the authorities so as to prevent the normalisation and escalation of violence against those who speak out against injustice as they see it.

“C4 stands in solidarity with Siti and all human rights defenders.” – July 25, 2023.