Universiti Malaya associate professor Azmi Sharom's challenge to the constitutionality of the Sedition Act will be heard by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 5 and 6.

Azmi's lawyer Gobind Singh Deo said after the case management today that judge Kamardin Hashim will hear the matter.

Azmi is challenging the constitutionality of Section 4 of the Sedition Act.

Earlier, Gobind also appealed to Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail to consider a stay on all sedition cases involving Section 4, since the decision in Azmi’s case will have an impact on all the other cases.

"But they (the other sedition cases in court) are still proceeding, nevertheless." Gobind ( right ) said.

"As far as Azmi's case is concerned, the sessions court has agreed with us to transfer the matter here (to the High Court) but they (the rest of sedition cases) are proceeding in the meanwhile. For Professor Azmi's case, it has been stayed, but the other cases will still go on.”

Gobind hoped the attorney-general would consider staying the other cases until Azmi’s challenge to the law is resolved.

Azmi: It's a battle for all citizens

"I think the AG can still consider this (staying the other sedition cases). I think he should, because if the matter is ruled unconstitutional, then there is no point for the trial," he added.

Meanwhile, Azmi said his was a battle for the freedom of all citizens.

"It's very important. It doesn't matter that it's my case where we are making this argument, because it's going to affect all the cases.

"Not so much with regard to my freedom, but more important for the freedom of the entire country," Azmi said.

After the Independence Day this year, the government has charged a number of people from various backgrounds, ranging from opposition leaders, activists, to students and a journalist as well with sedition.

The Sedition Act is unconstitutional, Gobind has argued when Azmi’s matter was filed, because the Malaysian Parliament did not pass it, and therefore it cannot restrict the right of Azmi, or any other citizen, to freedom of speech as guaranteed under Article 10(2) of the Federal Constitution.

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