More New Macau members under investigation

MORE New Macau Association (ANM) members are under investigation for alleged aggravated disobedience, the group revealed at a press conference yesterday, just months after lawmaker and former ANM president Sulu Sou was ousted from the Legislative Assembly to face similar charges.

The activists are being investigated for breaching electoral regulations in campaigning activities prior to last year’s Legislative Assembly election in September.

One of the three cases mentioned involves Paul Chan, a former Macau lawmaker, who said yesterday that he was heard at the Public Prosecutions Office but has not yet been charged.

Also at yesterday’s press conference, ANM reviewed its undertakings from the previous lunar year, and promised to keep up its fight in the year ahead.

“Macau’s human rights condition is deteriorating. Self-
censorship and executive power abuse remain frequent, especially from the police,” a statement released by the association noted. “The strive for democracy, freedom and public interest is still difficult [… but we] continue our work to advance Macau’s political and social environment.”

The association also reviewed the work undertaken by young democrat Sulu Sou.

Sou survived just seven weeks in the Legislative Assembly before he was suspended on December 4 so that his prosecutorial immunity could be waived and he could be brought to court. Sou stands accused of the crime of aggravated disobedience dating back to a 2016 demonstration.

During his brief tenure, the democrat raised seven written parliamentary questions, one oral question and two debate motions, according to ANM. He also disclosed seven detailed records of meetings – to the ire of fellow lawmakers – under the title of “No Secret in the Legislature”, advocating for greater transparency in the Assembly. DB