Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) is deeply concerned over the arrest and repatriation of Praphan Pipithnamporn, a political dissident from Thailand, by the Malaysian Government. We condemn the Malaysian Government for behaving like an accomplice of the Thai military junta in suppressing dissents and limiting democratic space.

It has been reported that Praphan Pipithnamporn has applied for asylum with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia, yet our Government has arrested her and sent her back on the request of the repressive Thai government. Praphan Pipithnamporn is at risk being persecuted for her political views, as she had already faced intimidation from Thai authorities before fleeing to Malaysia. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad should realize that aiding an undemocratic regime in persecution of pro-democracy political activists, is not something a “good neighbor” should do.

The repatriation of Praphan Pipithnamporn is clearly a violation of the fundamental principle prohibiting refoulement under customary international law. Such action is breaching the commitment of Pakatan Harapan Government in upholding rule of law.

Released by,
Choo Chon Kai
Coordinator of PSM International Bureau