NGO calls for halt to sedition probe on Umno man

Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Noor Adam was arrested earlier this month under the Sedition Act. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: An NGO dedicated to press freedom has urged the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government to repeal the Sedition Act and stop the investigation on Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Noor Adam under the controversial law.

In a statement today, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) reminded the government led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad that it had promised not to use the Sedition Act to curb dissent.

“With the investigation of Lokman Adam under this act, they demonstrate once again why it needs urgent repeal to prevent the executive from being tempted to commit human rights violations,” it said.

Lokman was detained over a live video titled “Kerajaan PH cuba melindungi pembunuh Muhammad Adib” (PH government trying to protect the murderers of Muhammad Adib). He was released on Jan 11.

Criticising the PH government for its continued use of the colonial-era law, the CIJ said PH appeared “to be working to outstrip the previous regime in the number of freedom of expression violations” it can commit.

“While the rhetoric of the new ministers is in line with the election manifesto, the actions, particularly in terms of sedition investigations, do not reflect these commitments,” it said.

The PH government lifted the moratorium on the Sedition Act after the Seafield temple riots last November in which fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim was reportedly assaulted. He later died of his injuries.

The chorus against the Sedition Act grew further after two men and a woman were arrested for allegedly insulting Sultan Mohammad V on social media upon his resignation as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

“If they want to be taken seriously next time they make election promises, there needs to be a firm commitment on both these matters,” the CIJ said.

“We call for a halt of the investigation into Lokman Adam and all others being investigated under the Sedition Act; a reinstatement of the moratorium; and repeal of this colonial law and its bedfellow the Printing Presses and Publications Act in the next Parliamentary sitting.” - FMT