YOURSAY 'Why Dr M not charged with sedition when he stripped rulers immunity?'

Karpal guilty of sedition against Perak ruler

Kim Quek: If a ruler can be charged for an offence or sued in a civil suit in the Special Court under Article 182 of the federal constitution, why can’t a lawyer express a legal opinion that a certain ruler has erred in law and hence subject to legal challenge?

The conviction of DAP chairperson Karpal Singh under the Sedition Act is hence the height of absurdity and the most convincing proof that the Sedition Act is hopelessly antiquated and has been readily abused by the ruling power to wantonly persecute its political opponents as it pleases.

Karpal will survive politically with the solid backing of all decent-minded Malaysians. But it is Prime Minister Najib Razak who should be worried. His masquerade as a democratic reformer has just been blown to smithereens.

Tenfold: All Karpal said was that the Perak sultan's actions can be challenged in a court of law. After all it was former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had instituted such a court after robbing the rulers of most of their 'power'.

Karpal should not even be charged in the first place. And to think that the Perak sultan, who was a former lord president, should sit by idly (or did he?) while this sham was being played out.

Malaysia ABU: Indeed, how can saying that rulers are under the constitution and laws and their actions can be questioned under the court of law be sedition against the rulers? That is just stating a fact, not sedition.

ACR: It would be interesting to read the grounds of judgment of judge Azman Abdullah in light of Article 183 of the federal constitution, which states “no action, civil or criminal, shall be instituted against the Agong or ruler of a state in his personal capacity...”.

Matters alluded to by Karpal vis-a-vis the 2009 Perak crisis, for which he was convicted of sedition, were very much in the official capacity of the ruler.

Spartacus: So now is the Special Court passed in Parliament during Mahathir's time still valid? Can sultans be charged in court for an offence? Is anyone who bring a sultan to court liable for sedition?

Are lawyers who state a fact of the law liable for sedition? How come Mahathir is not charged with sedition when he was the one who took away the rulers’ immunity?

And how come Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali and Utusan Malaysia are not charge with sedition when both have uttered seditious remarks, over and over again?

Sa Tombs: If Karpal is guilty, what about Mahathir, who tried to do away with the powers of the royalty? Whatever punishment is meted out to Karpal, then in the interest of all the royalty and the rakyat Dr M should face nine times that punishment at least.

The AG's Chambers should not hide behind the cloak that gives them discretion, but should charge Mahathir for bringing ridicule, mockery and contempt to our royalty.

Wira: The only difference between Karpal and Mahathir with regards to sedition is that Karpal was charged by the attorney-general but Mahathir was not.

That's where partisan decisions are blatantly made. With such corruption of power in Putrajaya, we are a long way from being a civilised country.

Southpaw: This verdict is only expected given the fact that Karpal is leading the defence team for PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy charge appeal. It's a shame for everyone who has been involved in bringing the charge against Karpal.

Mohan53: This is one of the most disgusting judgments a High Court judge can make. He was acquitted once on this case but political persecution it was. Why were none of the Perkasa and Isma goons ever charged for sedition?

Swipenter: Now we know why Umno Baru and those extremist NGOs have been harping so hard and persistently that certain persons cannot be challenged and/or criticised.

They are using the latter (who are aligned) to them and subsequently the courts to silence anyone opposed to their views.

Those calling to spill the blood of others are walking free as a bird in the country. If Ops Lalang is injustice of the gravest kind, then this is mock justice of the same magnitude.

Multi Racial: What did Karpal do that was so wrong that the government needs to charge him in the first place? Why are the authorities not acting against those racists who have been instigating problems in this country?

It is so obvious there is a political motive right from the beginning. If Karpal's appeal is turned down then he will be disqualified as MP. Let's see how BN will be trounced in the subsequent by-election to show the public is against what they are doing.

Vijay47: A member of the royalty, even and especially a constitutional monarch, is not divine. But you are, Karpal, you are the 'sher' this country needs to keep Umno and its cohorts at bay.

Yes, sherkhan, this is not the first time you have been convicted nor will it be the last in your many battles. You have never flinched or wavered, you have stood your ground.

Yes, Karpal, stand and continue the fight. If it means to the bitter end, so be it. The whole nation is behind you, sir.

Oracle: Karpal is the most courageous, honest and learned man I have had the privilege of knowing. He will not be silenced. And he does not need the cloak of an assemblyperson or parliamentarian to function.

He is still the freely chosen representative of his constituency and the nation's conscience, and when he speaks we will listen.

His enemies have done nothing to diminish his stature - they just made him even more powerful.

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