Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim today urged the judiciary to be careful in issuing gag orders in political-related cases, saying that such a move is an “overkill”.
This comes after the High Courts in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur barred Bersatu’s Chegubard and pro-opposition blogger Papagomo from making any statements related to sedition charges they were facing.
In a statement, Zaid said the judiciary is the people's last hope of defence against an “onslaught on basic liberties” and it should not easily grant gag orders because it is applied by the prosecution.
“We all know the close relationship between the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). We are not naive. We have enough examples to prove that.
“Only the judiciary is detached and independent of the PMO. The judiciary is our last hope of defence, as they say, against the onslaught on basic liberties.
“Maintain that independence by saying no to applications for a gag order.
“Freedom of speech is worth protecting if we want a relatively free country. Politics can penetrate the other arms of government if you are not vigilant and make a conscious effort to protect yourself,” Zaid said in the statement published on his X account.
Contempt powers are enough
Adding further, the former Umno member said the court does not have to resort to gag orders to enforce sub judice rules.
Instead, Zaid said, the judiciary can maintain its integrity by using its contempt powers when needed.
“That’s enough deterrence. A gag order is an overkill.
“An overkill means using nuclear power to decimate your political opponent. Let usual politicking survive,” he said.
Yesterday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court imposed a gag order against Papagomo, whose real name is Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, barring him from issuing any comments related to his sedition case.
The blogger was charged under the Sedition Act over an allegedly seditious post against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar on his X account last month.
A week earlier, the Johor Bahru High Court imposed a similar order against Bersatu information bureau committee member Badrul Hisham Shaharin, otherwise known as Chegubard.
He was also charged under the Sedition Act over alleged seditious remarks linked to a purported casino project in Forest City, Johor. - Mkini
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