Sedition charges may be dropped as AGC reviews cases

Those undergoing trial for sedition may have their charges dropped as the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) undertakes a review of such cases.

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said cases which have applications for the charges to be dropped, are all being reviewed.

"Yes, we are reviewing all sedition cases, but there must be legal representation, then we will review," Wan Shaharuddin was quoted as saying by the Malay Mail.

He explained that the decision to continue or drop charges will depend on the strength of cases, as well as the current policy sedition.

The Sedition Act is one of several "cruel" acts that the Pakatan Harapan government had vowed to abolish.

However, on Wednesday, police had investigated activist lawyer Fadiah Nadwa Fikri over an article critical of the royal institution.

In a Facebook posting, Fadiah explained that the article "Don't kiss the hands that beat you," which first appeared on youth group Malaysia Muda's website, pertained to an image of de facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim kissing the hand of Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

Fadiah’s article questioned Anwar's move to perpetuate a "feudal culture" at a time when monarchies in many other parts of the world had been rendered supposedly obsolete.

The image of Anwar and the Johor sultan was first shared by the Johor Royal Press Office on Facebook.

Shortly after his release from prison, Anwar had scheduled audiences with several rulers. His meeting with Sultan Ibrahim was reported to have taken place at Istana Pelangi, Johor Bahru on May 22.  Mkini