PSM and Muda call for abolition of Sedition Act

 

PSM and Muda have joined the chorus of criticisms against the way caretaker Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was arrested and his subsequent charge under the Sedition Act.

In a joint statement, PSM chairperson Dr Michael Jeyakumar and Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman called for the "draconian" law to be abolished.

"First of all, we condemn the statements made by Sanusi - they were immature, shallow comments made on a political stage.

"While PSM and Muda uphold the Federal Constitution which forms the backbone of the country's democracy, we reject the use of the Sedition Act against Sanusi, and call for the act to be abolished," they said in the statement.

The two parties further pointed out that the law, introduced by the British colonisers, was abolished in the United Kingdom in the 1970s.

"There are other provisions to deal with the matter at hand (allegations against Sanusi). A new law can be enacted if needed by involving all stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations."

'Why arrest at 3am?'

PSM and Muda also questioned the need to arrest Sanusi at 3am, when the police could have just instructed him to be present at the police station or the court.

"The Madani government led by Pakatan Harapan today has long fought to abolish this (Sedition) Act - in fact, it is in their election manifesto.

"One can't be an idealist when in the opposition, and abandon principles when they get to power," read the statement.

They then reiterated the call for the act to be abolished, in line with the government's reformation agenda.

"What is the use of being in power, if it's not used to bring about change?"

Sanusi, who is Perikatan Nasional's election director, was arrested at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

He later claimed trial for two charges of sedition at the Sessions Court in Selayang.

Sanusi was released on RM5,000 bail for each charge. The court also imposed a gag order on Sanusi, preventing him from discussing the trial in public. - Mkini