Ambiga: Probing me for sedition may be good
Former Bar Council chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan may be investigated under the Sedition Act, but she remains unfazed.
Former Bar Council chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan may be investigated under the Sedition Act, but she remains unfazed.
On the contrary, she feels that the investigation, if initiated, might turn out to be a good thing because the truth would emerge.
However, Ambiga, who is now the patron of NGO Negara-Ku, said the police have not contacted her.
"I have not received any call, and have no clue about this.
"I do not know which comments are meant to be seditious," she told Malaysiakini .
Ambiga was commenting on a news report that a group called Persatuan Pertubuhan Merah Terengganu had filed a police report against her for criticising courses conducted by Biro Tata Negara (BTN).
During the 4th National Conference on Non-Discrimination on Sept 30, Ambiga accused the BTN of brainwashing its Malay participants into becoming racists and bigots.
She also called on parents to speak up against racist courses conducted by BTN, which is under the Prime Minister's Department.
'Best to wait and see'
Ambiga told Malaysiakini today that similar statements were used in relation to vernacular schools but no action has been taken because the words are not considered seditious.
"This is why it is best to wait and see if in fact there will be a charge. Nevertheless, if I am charged, I know I will be in good company," she said.
"I will be proud to stand with all the others who are now facing persecution under this odious piece of legislation and in defence of our constitutional right to free speech," she added.
Recently, Petaling Jaya Utara Umno division deputy chief Mohamad Azli Mohamed Saad stirred the hornet's nest by calling for a debate on vernacular schools during the coming Umno annual general meeting.
Following this, Cheras Umno division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee ( above, left ) said perhaps the time has come to abolish vernacular schools, which he claimed sowed the seeds of division.
He called for the establishment of a single stream school system instead.
Yesterday, Sepang police chief Mohd Yusoff Awang said Mohamad Azli would not be probed for sedition because it was a mere " suggestion " and therefore not seditious.
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