Activists slam police over sedition probe on Kadir Jasin

Lawyers for Liberty expresses shock that the police are investigating the veteran newsman under a controversial law used by the previous government.

Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun. Fuzi has come under fire over the sedition probe on social critic A Kadir Jasin.

PETALING JAYA: Lawyers and activists have slammed Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohamad Fuzi Harun for starting a sedition probe on veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin, saying the police should know that Malaysia is no longer under Barisan Nasional (BN) rule.

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) and Gerakan Hapus Akta Hasutan (GHAH), a group campaigning for the repeal of the Sedition Act, said the decision to investigate the former New Straits Times Press editor-in-chief was contrary to the government’s promise to do away with oppressive laws.

LFL said Fuzi’s announcement was “shocking and unacceptable” under the present Pakatan Harapan government.

“The IGP must realise that Malaysia is no longer governed by the oppressive BN regime, which previously persecuted the people for merely exercising their right to free speech,” said LFL spokesperson Latheefa Koya.

Meanwhile, GHAH said Fuzi was still in “the old state of mind”, urging him to adapt to “a new Malaysia”.

“Failing that, we advise him to follow the footsteps of the Bank Negara governor and other executive directors who gave up their posts,” said GHAH spokesman Amir Abd Hadi.

Fuzi today said Kadir, who is a spokesman for Putrajaya’s Council of Eminent Persons and part of the PPBM leadership, would be investigated for improper use of the internet under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, based on three police reports lodged against him.

Kadir had penned several articles on his blog seen as critical of the Malay Rulers, including one in which he said RM257 million in government funds was spent on the current Agong over the last 16 months.

He was responding to remarks by Anwar Ibrahim, in which the PKR leader explained that his audiences with several Malay rulers were to reassure them of their position under the new government.

Yesterday, Anwar criticised Kadir, saying there should be respect and decorum in dealing with the Malay Rulers.

Latheefa said those affected by Kadir’s article should respond in a “civilised manner”.

“Just because some right-wing groups lodge police reports, it does not mean that the police must jump and commence unnecessary and wasteful investigations. The police are not obliged to investigate unmeritorious reports,” she said.

“There must be a complete halt of all investigations under these discredited laws, pending repeal.” -FMT