Malaysian Indian Progressive Association (Mipas) leader A Rajaretinam has been charged with making seditious comments against the Indian Muslim community and the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma).

However, Mipas secretary-general S Barathidasan condemned the authorities, accusing them of practising double standards.

Rajaretinam is accused of making the comments in a Facebook posting in August, following which Kimma filed a complaint with the Home Ministry.

Media reports today said the 62-year-old hotel manager was charged under Section 504 of the Penal Code at a sessions court in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

The penalty for this, upon conviction, is a two-year jail term.

The Mipas president claimed trial and was allowed bail of RM4,000 with one surety. Mention of the case has been fixed for Nov 16.

 

Meanwhile, Barathidasan ( right ) told Malaysiakini that the police have not acted on their complaints against groups like Perkasa and others for making seditious remarks.

"The police always practise double standards against NGOs seen as pro-opposition and are quick to take action against them," he said.

Barathidasan said the authorities should “treat everyone equally” and not give special privilege to pro-government groups.

“The country has two systems where actions against pro-government groups that make seditious statements are not taken or taken after a long time,” he added.

Malay-language tabloid Harian Metro reported that based on the charge sheet, Rajaretinam's offensive post read, "Don't ever trust mamak & Kimma Members.... They just want Hak Istimewa (special rights).... sanggup jual diri dan bangsa untuk duniawi. (are willing to sell themselves and their race)..."

Related stories

Umno Youth incited people to spit on me, says MP

Azmi Sharom barred from entering UKM

Lawyers to march against Sedition Act on Oct 16

Don't eat out on Oct 11, says anti-sedition group

Uthayakumar and the miscarriage of justice

Give proof of racism in BTN courses, Ambiga told

MCMC wants Facebook to remove sex blogger's page

Sedition sweep more insidious than Ops Lalang