Three politicians among 33 prosecuted under Sedition Act since 2023, says Saifuddin

 

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 33 individuals including three politicians have been prosecuted under the Sedition Act between 2023 and May this year, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Home Minister said in a parliamentary written reply dated July 14 that the police had opened a total of 420 investigation papers during the said period.

“Of this total, 33 prosecutions were carried out involving three politicians, one NGO member, one civil servant, nine self-employed individuals, seven unemployed individuals and 12 individuals from other occupations,” he said.

In 2023, 127 investigation papers were opened, with 11 individuals prosecuted in court. The following year saw 96 investigation papers opened, with 10 individuals prosecuted in court.

“In 2025, a total of 142 investigation papers were opened, with six individuals prosecuted in court; and up to May 2026, a total of 55 investigation papers were opened, with 6 individuals prosecuted in court,” he said.

Saifuddin was responding to a question by Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) on the number of individuals who have been investigated under the Sedition Act, the breakdown by the year as well as the categories of persons involved, and the number of prosecution and convictions.

In a separate written reply, Saifuddin said the act remains relevant as an enforcement instrument for cases with seditious tendencies, particularly those involving 3R issues disseminated on social media.

“The police will take enforcement action under the Act against any form of debate on social media that is provocative in nature and has the potential to jeopardise public order,” he said.

“In its current implementation, the police conducts continuous monitoring of cyberspace and takes investigative action against any content identified as containing elements of sedition.

“Meanwhile, every police report received under the Act will continue to be investigated thoroughly and professionally by the police, while the decision to prosecute remains subject to the discretion of the Attorney General based on the strength of the evidence in each case,” he added.

He was responding to a question by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) on the latest reforms implemented to the Sedition Act 1948, particularly in light of the police stating that the trend of debates on social media, including posts or comments on government policies, constitutes an offence deemed to have a seditious tendency. - Star