The Federal Court’s decision to uphold as constitutional a law once used to suppress the independence movement is an insult to Malaysia’s sovereignty, said anti-Sedition Act movement Gerakan Hapus Akta Hasutan (Ghah).
The apex court ruled Sedition Act 1948 is constitutional in a challenge by law associate professor Azmi Sharom, who was charged over his remarks on the Perak constitutional crisis.
“The Sedition Act 1948 is a draconian and cruel Act enacted by the colonial masters to arrest individuals and curb freedom of expression, during the struggle for independence.
“Maintaining it and using this inherited colonial law is a huge insult to our independence and sovereignty,” Ghah said in a statement.
Ghah said the court’s decision does not sway the movement to call for the immediate repeal of the law without the need to replace with other security laws.
It also condemns the use of Section 124B and 124C of the Penal Code as an alternative to the Sedition Act.
Several activists and politicians have been arrested and investigated under the sections, which deal with "activity detrimental to parliamentary democracy".
“It is the duty of all citizens to criticise policy and misconduct within government and by national leaders.
“We do not take (the use of such sections) lightly. We are opposed to any infringement on the freedom of expression of Malaysians, enshrined under Article 10 of the federal constitution,” it said.
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