Former PKR vice-president R Sivarasa has decried the action against Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, over his comments on the supposed casino plan in Forest City, Johor.
Sivarasa (above) said since all the relevant parties have denied the allegation, there is no justification for arresting Badrul.
“No need to arrest. He has no credibility.
“All relevant parties have denied that the government agreed to (open) a casino. People can propose. (The) government has not agreed. Now, (the) government must work. Not arrest,” he said on X yesterday.
Badrul was charged at the Kuala Lumpur Session Court this morning over his alleged comments regarding the controversy surrounding KK Mart’s socks that carried the word “Allah”.
He claimed trial for two counts of defaming the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and inciting discontent against His Majesty.
He was charged under Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act.
He was also investigated and is expected to face additional sedition charges tomorrow over his remarks about supposed plans to build a casino in Forest City.
Malaysians Against Death Penalty (Madpet) also criticised the use of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communication of Multimedia Act.
Criticising Badrul’s arrest, the organisation said investigations could have been carried out without detaining him.
“Was there any need to keep Badrul in detention for the purpose of investigation? We believe that he and most other suspects will turn up for appointments for the purpose of investigation,” it added.
Freedom of expression
Similarly, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) also expressed concerns about freedom of expression.
“Why have the police deemed it necessary to arrest and remand Chegubard for repeating or commenting on something reported by a reputable global news network?
“Don’t Malaysians have a right to ask questions about whether (Prime Minister) Anwar (Ibrahim) is in talks to open a casino? Isn’t that a matter of public importance?” it added.
LFL also criticised DAP and PKR leaders for their silence despite opposing the use of draconian laws against government critics in the past.
Human rights organisation Suaram said the action against Badrul proved that the administration is no different from its predecessors.
“By continuing to enforce the Sedition Act, the government is also actively hindering Malaysia from progressing to not only become a true democracy but also fully live up to transparency and accountability standards which many Malaysians have demanded,” it added.
Bloomberg was the first to report on the alleged casino, claiming that Anwar had met with two prominent tycoons to discuss the matter.
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