NGO expresses distaste over ruling, calls on prosecutors to appeal

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Saifunnizam (seated right) is seen together with (seated, from left) Jamilah, Voon, (from back row, left) Patricia, See and Mok in a photo-call during the press conference.

KUCHING: Lawyer Kamek for Change (LK4C) is appalled by the High Court ruling that discharged and acquitted three prime suspects for abetting in the murder of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Miri secretary Bill Kayong on Tuesday.

LK4C is a non-governmental organisation comprising more than 10 lawyers and activists.

According to representative Saifunnizam Sam, the court ruling sent the wrong signal to land rights activists and the natives of Sarawak fighting for their rights pertaining to indigenous land issues.

“This has been the struggle of many oppressed indigenous (people) in Sarawak, lawyers and rights defenders in Sarawak,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Bill was gunned down on June 21 last year and his murder is believed to be linked to his work in defending native rights.

Datuk Stephen Lee Chee Kiang, Chin Wui Ching and Lie Chang Loon were charged with abetting Mohamad Fitri Fauzi under Section 109 of the Penal Code read together with Section 302 of the same Code.

On Tuesday, Lee, Chin and Lie were discharged and acquitted, while Mohamad Fitri was asked to enter his defence.

“We wish to also state that the fatal shooting of Bill Kayong is not just about him. It is a real threat to all other rights defenders that they will face such consequences for their action,” Saifunnizam said.

He called on the Attorney-General’s Chambers to appeal the High Court’s decision.

“We also call for better policing by the authorities and stringent guidelines for firearms possessions for the public and we are even willing to assist the public prosecutors in the event they appeal against the High Court’s decision,” he added.

Saifunnizam added LK4C is researching the possibility of taking civil action.

“We will communicate directly with the family of Bill Kayong to see if there is any possibility in taking action to deliver justice to him,” he said.

Also present at the press conference were other LK4C members Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, Jeffery Mok, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Women’s national vice-president Voon Shiak Ni, Jamilah Baharuddin and PKR Stampin Women’s deputy chief Patricia Ainon.