Suaram chief probed under Sedition Act over article on rulers

Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy was today questioned by the police under the Sedition Act 1948 over an article purportedly questioning the royal institution. 

This is in relation to an article written by lawyer and activist Fadiah Nadwa Fikri in July, Sevan told reporters outside the Brickfields police headquarters today, adding that he is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the act.

This, he explained, was because Fadiah's article was published on the website of the youth group Malaysia Muda, of which he serves as adviser. 

“The investigation was more or less on my position as adviser (of the group) and the article.

"I believe the intention of article is very clear. It is a very open article, asking politicians to embrace the general public.

"They have to be more open, and reach out to rakyat, rather than speak to power alone. This is what I told the investigating officer,” he said.

'Waste of resources'

Sevan called the probe into question, however, as the article was published on 9 July, adding that the police had already obtained enough information in the five months since.

“It is now December, they are still investigating this... Personally, I feel that the police do not have to waste resources and our time (by investigating this) under the Sedition Act," he said.

The activist also urged the government to abolish Sedition Act as soon as possible, as pledged in Pakatan Harapan's election manifesto.

"I hope this will be the last case in which the government uses the act on anyone,” he said.

Sevan added that Fadiah may be called in by police again over the article, titled "Don't kiss the hands that beat you."

The lawyer was first called in by police two days after the article was published, on July 11, which pertained to an image of PKR president Anwar Ibrahim kissing the hand of Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

She was investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

A solidarity assembly to show support was held outside the Brickfields police headquarters when she was called in. 

A day later, however, Fadiah was summoned to have her statement recorded again, under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012. 

Those convicted of their first offence under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act can be punished with up to three years' jail, an RM5,000 fine, or both.

The continued use of the contentious colonial-era security law after May 9, when Harapan assumed federal power, had been criticised by several quarters. 

In response, Putrajaya announced in October that a moratorium on the law would be introduced, pending its repeal. 

However, the moratorium was lifted after the Seafield temple riots on Nov 26 and 27. - Mkini