THERE is still need for the Sedition Act, especially for cases of insult or injury to the Malay rulers, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today. 

He said the law was invoked in the case of caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor because he had allegedly committed an act of sedition against royalty. 

“My principle is that we should avoid the use of the Sedition Act but this (case) touches the position of the rulers,” Anwar said in Sekinchan, today.

“If it were criticism of the prime minister, I would never use (the sedition act) as justification (for prosecution.

“But this is a matter of the position and dignity of the rulers which must be protected.”

Earlier today, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) slammed Anwar’s unity government for barring legitimate political discourse and freedom of speech by charging Sanusi with sedition.

LFL director Zaid Malek said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, which Anwar chairs, used to be opposed to the oppressive law. 

“This is a black day for the country. The notorious Sedition Act has reared its ugly head again, now used against a key political rival of the government,” Zaid said in a statement today.

Anwar said the Sedition Act prevents unhealthy political debate. – July 18, 2023.