THE unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been urged to repeal the oppressive Sedition Act.  

Youth-based party Muda and its electoral partner Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) said the Sedition Act, originally enacted by the British colonialists to contain the local communist insurgence, is outdated and called on the government to repeal it.  

“This ‘draconian’ and outdated act which was first enacted by the British colonialists to maintain their power should be repealed. Even the United Kingdom has abolished this act in their country since the 1970s. 

“There are already other provisions to manage the arising issues related to this matter.  

“A new law can be enacted, if necessary, with discussions involving all parties including non-governmental bodies,” the two parties said in a joint statement today.  

The statement was signed by Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and PSM chairman Dr Michael Jeyakumar.  

The two parties agreed that what caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said on stage was immature and shallow but said the government had forgotten its reform promises.  

“Muda and PSM once again called for the Sedition Act to be repealed in line with the promise of reform that has been fought for all this time 

“What is the point of negotiating to get power if it is not used to implement change,” they said.  

Earlier today, Anwar said there was still a need for the Sedition Act, especially for cases of insult or injury to the Malay rulers. 

This morning, Sanusi – who is also Perikatan Nasional’s election director – claimed trial to two charges of sedition. 

He was accused of making a seditious comment regarding the appointment of the Selangor menteri besar. 

He allegedly incited discontent or disaffection among the subjects of the ruler by making the remark. 

In a separate court before judge Osman Affendi Mohd Shalleh, Sanusi also denied making seditious remarks in relation to the king. 

Sanusi was reported to have questioned if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had indeed decreed that a unity government be formed after the November general election. 

Both offences were allegedly committed at the same ceramah in Simpang 4, Taman Selayang Mutiara-Kg Bendahara, Gombak, at 11pm on July 11. 

Meanwhile, Muda and PSM also questioned why the police arrested Sanusi in the wee hours of the morning, alleging that the latter could have been ordered to appear himself either at the police station or the court. – July 18, 2023.