YOURSAY ‘Even the ‘mildest’ minister in the cabinet dared to support Azmi.’

Minister speaks out against Azmi's sedition charge

David Dass: It is good that Minister in the PM’s Department Idris Jala has made his position on the use of the sedition law clear.

He says that the charge against Universiti Malaya associate professor Azmi Sharom is wrong. He says creative criticism and dissent should be allowed. And Malaysia must pursue the path of moderation.

Why are other voices in government silent? Malaysians as a whole are thunderstruck at the purge of dissenters by the use of the Sedition Act.

Are we so far removed from our present reality? Can we not see how different the world is today? Do we not see how messed up countries without democracy are?

Do our leaders as parents not recognise how empowered their children are in this new world? Do they not see the good things about being democratic and being Malaysian?

Do they not recognise the stability that our system has because we are democratic - with a vigorous Parliament and a strong opposition?

Ferdtan: This is the first time that Idris Jala is brave enough to break ranks with his government.

Even the ‘mildest’ minister in the cabinet dared to support Azmi Sharom, who is charged with sedition. This means that BN government had made a big ‘mistake’ in hauling the popular law lecturer to court.

Anonymous_4031: Idris Jala, the CEO of Pemandu, has given his honest view on sedition. He declared that academic freedom allows constructive criticism and dissent.

Former Singapore PM Lee Kuan Yew, if I remember correctly, once said in Malaysia that using the ISA (Internal Security Act) too often will blunt the instrument. Is it not the same in the current use/abuse of the Sedition Act?

Note that former law minister Zaid Ibrahim also broke ranks in the cabinet and voiced his opposition to using the ISA to detain Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, and he promptly resigned soon after.

Hank Marvin: Idris Jala has to take the route taken by Zaid - resign. This is because as a minister, Idris is bound by collective responsibility. So if he disagrees with the cabinet decision/policy then he has to leave the cabinet.

Dr Suresh Kumar: I appreciate Idris Jala's statement in support of Azmi Sharom, but instead demanding Idris's resignation, I would appreciate Jala if he could fight for Azmi within the government and keep speaking up for him as well others who have been unfairly charged.

Whatif: The other person from Umno who would agree with Idris Jala would be former deputy minister Saifuddin Abdullah. That I am pretty sure.

I'm Malaysian: I think Idris Jala is a good man; but I do not think Umno likes him much. Firstly he is not Malay and is a Christian, and he is not an Umno member.

Secondly, it was Najib who appointed Idris. The rest of Umno do not really care for Idris, because in Umno there are other people who can do whatever it is that Idris is doing.

Thirdly, Umno does not need ‘transformation’ for it means loss of power. Do you think Umno will support Idris when he is appointed to undermine Umno’s grip of power?

Finally, people like Azmi Sharom are liberals and most certainly anti-Umno. Aren't these good enough reasons to charge and convict Azmi for sedition?

Anonymous_ABG: Idris, you are a great man to break ranks and to defend justice. If only other ministers follow you, we can get rid of the Sedition Act but this is only a dream because BN ministers are first to protect their personal interests.

The impression given is that the Sedition Act only applies to non-BN members, while supporters like Perkasa and others like them are beyond the reach of the law.

CQ Muar: For not toeing the party (BN) line, Idris has instead courageously spoke against the unscrupulous Sedition Act, and the abuse of power by the government.

For that, Idris might have incurred the wrath of PM Najib Razak, and risk being detain for opposing the Act, which he (Najib) is now the undisputed 'King of sedition’.

I hope Najib will introduce himself to world leaders his new title when he next address them abroad.

Guns 'n' Roses: Idris Jala is merely putting up a ‘sandiwara’ on behalf of his bosses, namely that minority-elected PM. It's just an act to appease the people.

I feel it is inevitable that Azmi Sharom will be released, and pretty soon too.

Abasir: Indeed, the charges against Azmi will be eventually withdrawn. There are enough indications that the dullards who initiated this highly selective persecution are seeking ways to get out of the corner they have painted themselves in.

Former PM Dr Mahathir's openly 'seditious' statement, declaring Malays to be lazy and bereft of integrity, may be viewed as a direct and contemptuous challenge to those pulling the strings in Putrajaya - 'arrest me if you dare'.

Sleepy: The minister who does not hold the portfolio for good governance has spoken, but the minister who holds the said portfolio is silent.

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