We call upon the IGP and the AG to urgently explain why the sudden interest to proceed with arrest and prosecution of politically-motivated police reports made by UMNO members and pro-government NGOs against MPs, activists and lawyers.
In a meeting held between 60 Umno division leaders and the AG and IGP on 14th August, both IGP and the AG were told to act on the police reports made against government critics.
Clearly soon after, the sedition charges started and Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s lawyer N Surendran (who is also PKR MP of Padang Serai) was charged over a statement made regarding the Fitnah 2 court judgment.
PAS MP for Shah Alam Khalid Samad was also charged over a statement regarding the powers of MAIS.
Subsequently many others have been investigated, arrested or charged.
The investigations and arrests made against these MPs and many others in last several weeks were in response to police reports made by UMNO members and complaints by UMNO leaders.
The AG must act professionally and not succumb to pressure from any quarter.
What is also equally worrying is the manner in which the Sedition Act is being used , i.e. in response to valid criticisms on current issues and in relation to legal opinion etc. There was no element of violence or public disorder in any of the alleged “seditious” remarks by any of those who have been charged.
Some of the complaints were old complaints which appear to have been re-opened following pressure from the UMNO leaders.
Clearly this shows bad faith and lack of independence on the part of the AG.
Further the fact that no action was taken against pro-UMNO/ government persons who had made far more serious remarks also shows the selective nature of the sedition blitz.
Following a public outcry, the AG had on 10th September 2014 promised to review some of the sedition charges, but this has so far been an empty promise.
Worse still people are continuously being hauled up and investigated and threatened with charges.
All such actions by both the AG and IGP shows complete contradiction to what was repeatedly promised by the Prime Minister i.e. to repeal the Sedition Act.
It is shocking that no faith can now be placed in the words of the Prime Minister as the country’s top public official.
A majority of the cases especially those involving the MPs, lawyers, professional and activists are in relation to legitimate criticism of the government.
We therefore urge the AG to do the right thing and review and drop the sedition charges.
Latheefa Koya, Central Committee Member, KEADILAN
Panic................
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