No justice for my son in Malaysia, says activist Ali’s father

As devastated as Abd Jalil Abd Rahman is by his activist son Ali’s decision to flee Malaysia and seek political asylum in Sweden, the man knows that either he let the 29-year-old go, or risk the boy's life by urging him to stay in the country.

"For me, what is more important is his safety, so I don't mind so much where Ali is as long as he is safe," Jalil told The Malaysian Insider.

So he swallowed the bitter news and supported his son's decision to leave the country, although saddened by the separation.

Ali, who faces three charges for allegedly insulting the Johor and Selangor royalty, announced on Saturday that he had fled to Sweden after being treated "like rubbish" by the government and sultan.

The activist had previously claimed to have received death threats and was even beaten while in police custody. However, no action was taken despite the police report he lodged.

Jalil said Ali's case was unique as he was up against the royal institution, whose powers in the country have no bounds.

"Ali's case is different compared with Adam Adli or Safwan Anang because they were opposing the government and the institutions," he said, referring to the two activists who were recently sentenced to prison under the Sedition Act 1948.

"But Ali is protesting against the royal institution, and everyone understands this issue is sensitive and involves Malay sentiments."

Although Ali said he was "safe in Sweden", his father is still gripped by the fear that the rulers may take matters into their own hands.

"We know and have heard of rulers ignoring and even breaking the law," said Jalil.

"We also know the country's justice and security system does not guarantee the rakyat's safety."

From Sweden, Ali continues to rail against the rulers and the government in his Facebook posts, which have received hundreds of "likes" and comments.

But Jalil defended his son's harsh criticism of the royalty, saying it stemmed from Ali's personal experiences and exposure to the injustice inherent in the system.

"Ali loves challenges; after he finished his SPM, he looked for a job straightaway on his own initiative, unlike his peers.

"He worked at a restaurant in an airport and a hotel, and observed the actions of those we call 'the elite'," said Jalil.

He said Ali witnessed the injustices committed in the country, especially those involving the royal institution.

"While working at a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur, he saw the ugly actions of these elites, these chiefs of states and palace people.

"When he saw things that should not be happening, he may have begun questioning the actions of those known as the heads of religion," said the pensioner.

The retired civil servant did not rule out the possibility that Ali's vocal criticism was also born out of dissatisfaction over how his twin brother, Ahmad Abd Jalil, had been treated by the state.

Last year, Ahmad was fined RM20,000 by the Johor Baru Sessions Court after he was found guilty of posting remarks insulting the Johor Sultan through his Facebook in 2012.

"Throughout the court proceedings, we saw that justice was not upheld.

"So if Ali goes to trial, it is impossible that the courts will treat him fairly," said Jalil, adding that his son was pursuing his doctoral studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

When asked if he hoped Ali would return to Malaysia, Jalil said his family would always support Ali's decision and advise him to live his life to the fullest.

"This world is temporary. If we are to die, we need not die in our homes.

"For instance, the Prophet Muhammad himself did not pass away at his place of birth. So I prefer that Ali stay there and enjoy this temporary world."

But Jalil advised his son to never neglect his duties as a Muslim and to always pray to Allah.

"If he believes it is better to stay in Malaysia, then he should return. But if he feels happier and safer there, then he should stay there."

Ali's sister, Asiah Abd Jalil, told The Malaysian Insider that her younger brother had been taught to think critically at a young age.

Ali was first detained on September 8 and was taken into police custody in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor.

On September 23, he was released after posting bail of RM8,000 at the Shah Alam court complex.

His freedom was short-lived as he was re-arrested and taken to Johor, reportedly because other police reports had been lodged against him there.

Amnesty International has adopted Ali as a Prisoner of Conscience, saying it is part of a push to ensure he does not suffer further punishment or selective persecution.

News portal Rakyat Times, which is run by activist and lawyer Haris Ibrahim, reported that Ali left Malaysia on October 18 for Bangkok and later flew to Stockholm on October 21.

At Stockholm, Ali went to Amnesty International Sweden where he was advised on the procedure for applying for asylum. He was taken to the asylum centre before being moved to another town, Morsta.

Rakyat Times also reported that Ali had already been given a work permit and could begin work immediately. – October 29, 2014.
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