A Candle for Nat, A Vigil for the Nation

Technorati tags: Malaysia, Rule of Law, Politics, Vendetta, Nathaniel Tan, OSA

Got this via SMS this afternoon. Three times, from 3 different people. And also saw it on Eli's blog.

Candlelight Vigil for Nat Tan

Date: 15 July 2007 (Sunday - tonight)
Time: 8 pm
Venue: Outside IPD Dang Wangi, Jalan Stadium

Pls bring candles, placards, speeches, songs etc.

Up to now, the official line is that Nat's being detained to assist with investigations under Section 8 of the OSA - Official Secrets Act - one of those draconian laws still actively practised by our country (apart from ISA, and a few others). Malik Imtiaz has expressed his concern about Nat's detention vis á vis the act, and why we as citizens need to be equally concerned (hat-tip: Rocky's Bru).

In short, it gives the Government powers that are unconstitutional, as anything they wish can be classified as an official secret. Some minister's laundry list, if desired, could be made an "Official Secret". The act is that arbitrary and wide-reaching. And the best part is that in certain cases, even Parliament can't do squat.

So, go to the vigil, if you can. It's for Nat, after all, but not just for him. In spirit, it's for all of us. At least those who value liberty of thought and liberty to pursue what we believe in.