-Nalini Elumalai, Executive Director, October 4, 2012.

SUARAM categorically refutes the preposterous and baseless allegations made by Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (“JMM”) that SUARAM had bribed government officials to cover up information on its foreign funding and to gather information related to national security and government secrets from the Prime Minister’s Department, the Finance Ministry and the Company Commission of Malaysia (“CCM”).

SUARAM challenges JMM to substantiate their allegations and demands an immediate apology and retraction of the allegations should JMM fails to do so.

It is evident from the nonsensical allegations that JMM lacks credibility and pays no respect to the laws of the country. Up to this point, SUARAM is still being investigated by the CCM and other agencies and had all along provided full cooperation to CCM and other agencies. The reason being is that SUARAM respects the rule of law and acts in accordance to the requirements of the laws.

We also would like to suggest to all officials alleged to have been bribed by SUARAM to come forth and respond to JMM’s nonsensical allegations.

SUARAM pledges to fight those who attempt to undermine our dignity and credibility as the leading human rights defenders in Malaysia. For as long as violations still exist, SUARAM will be there with the people, loud and clear. On this note, we call upon all Malaysians to stand up for SUARAM and fight to the end against all harassment by the government.