We, the undersigned organisations have come together to express in the strongest terms our protest against the continuing usage of the repressive, colonial and undemocratic Sedition Act of 1948.
We, the undersigned organisations have come together to express in the strongest terms our protest against the continuing usage of the repressive, colonial and undemocratic Sedition Act of 1948.
The Sedition Act is a piece of repressive legislation made by the British colonial government to suppress freedom of expression and opinion of our forefathers who fought for the independence of our country. This legislation has to go if we want to be a truly independent nation.
The Sedition Act is too broadly defined and is easily open to abuse by the government. It can and is being used to criminalise almost any kind of democratic speech including legitimate criticisms against the government, its leaders or the ruling political parties. Under the Sedition Act, almost anything said or published that is remotely contentious can be deemed seditious. The Sedition Act is clearly being misused to protect the government and its interests, clampdown on the opposition and dissidents, make certain issues off limits, stifle civil liberties and create a climate of fear reminiscent of the worst days under the iron fisted Mahathir regime.
This trend is clearly illustrated in the conviction of Hindraf leader, P. Uthayakumar in June 2013 and former national chairman of Democratic Action Party, the late Karpal Singh in February 2014.
Over the past month, the Sedition Act has been indiscriminately used in a new wave of political repression and terror whose targets have included elected representatives and lawyers who have a public duty to speak on matters of public interest.
We are also extremely concerned with the selective prosecution under the Sedition Act by the Attorney General who is clearly targeting those who are critical of the government.
Those who have been charged are:
1. David Orok Member, Sabah Reform Party
2. Azmi Sharom Law professor, University of Malaya
3. N Surendran Lawyer, Padang Serai MP
4. Khalid Samad Shah Alam MP
5. RSN Rayer Lawyer, Seri Delima ADUN
6. Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman President, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia
7. Teresa Kok Seputeh MP
8. Chua Tian Chang Batu MP
9. Hishamuddin Rais Social Activist
10. Adam Adli Student Activist
11. Safwan Anang Student Activist
12. Haris Ibrahim Lawyer/ Social Activist
13. Tamrin Tun Abdul Ghafar Political Activist
14. Md Shuhaimi Shafie Sri Muda ADUN
Numerous others are being investigated including:-
1. Viktor Wong Activist, Parti Rakyat Malaysia
2. Susan Loone Journalist, Malaysiakini
3. Hassan Karim Lawyer/ PKR Johor Vice Chairman
4. Rafizi Ramli Pandan MP
5. Ali bin Jalil Member of public
6. 17-year-old schoolboy (unnamed)
7. Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin Changkat Jering ADUN
The Prime Minister had on 11 July 2012 and 3 July 2013 promised to repeal the Sedition Act. It is shocking that despite this promise to the Malaysian public, the usage of the Act has greatly increased.
The Sedition Act is being used as a new type of ISA, to stifle and repress the opposition, civil society and the public.
At this critical hour, when our human rights are being trampled upon with impunity, we, the undersigned endorse the formation of Gerakan Hapus Akta Hasutan (GHAH).
The objective of GHAH is to carry out a national campaign to bring to an end the ever present threat of freedom of expression and opinion by the Sedition Act that hangs over every Malaysian.
Information Source : www.suaram.net