University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) apologised and withdrew its controversial article regarding the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in national affairs.
"After consulting with several constitutional experts, Umany has decided to withdraw the statement which was published on Oct 30 on our English and Chinese Facebook pages.
"We affirm our adherence to the constitutional monarchy system in Malaysia and respect the role of Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the constitution.
"We would like to apologise to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and public for our lack of a thorough understanding of the constitution," said the association in a statement this afternoon.
Umany said the statement was for the purpose of academic discussion and there was no intention to commit any malicious damage or sedition.
The association, which is being probed under the Sedition Act as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act, urged the police to end their investigations into the matter.
"As the Sedition Act and Communications and Multimedia Act are in fact archaic and draconian laws that trample on freedom of speech, we call upon the police to halt all investigations and possible prosecutions under these Acts, and urge the government to repeal the draconian laws immediately in order to safeguard freedom of speech for every citizen,” it added.
Meanwhile, Umany also expressed gratitude to all those who supported the association during this period.
“We will continue to advocate and defend democracy and freedom together with civil society for a better Malaysia," it pledged.
The controversial article followed the Agong's rejection of the government's request for an emergency declaration and His Majesty advising all MPs to support the Budget 2021.
Umany had argued that the king “should not interfere in national affairs, must always maintain a neutral attitude and play his role within the framework permitted by the constitution”.
Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that Umany' former president Wong Yan Ke would be charged tomorrow at the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's Court.
He was arrested on Nov 7 when police raided the house of his successor Yap Wen Qing in relation to the probe on the article.
His lawyer Chong Kar Yan, who was at the scene, said his client was arrested for recording a video of the police team.
Petaling Jaya district police chief Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal later told the media that the arrest was for obstructing a public officer. - Mkini
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