Kita Lawan activists have scoffed at the planned amendments to the Sedition Act 1948 that favour lengthy prison terms, vowing to defy what they say is Putrajaya's bid to silence them.

 

In a symbolic act of defiance, the activists say they will tonight declare a section of Dataran Merdeka as 'Dataran Kita Lawan'.

 

The site has been previously used for the PecatIGP campaign calling for the sacking of inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar for his crackdown under the Sedition Act.

 

"A 'Dataran #KitaLawan" signboard will be erected as a symbol that the youths have right to speak up openly.

 

"It is also our promise and reminder to the government that threats and punishments will not stop the youth's advancement," the Kita Lawan secretariat said in a statement today.

 

It added a donation drive will also be conducted at the venue tonight to help 13 activists who were jailed for protesting against the Perak coup in 2009.

 

The Kita Lawan secretariat said the strengthening of the Sedition Act is in response to the government feeling threatened by youths daring to be vocal and even taking to the streets to hold those in power accountable.

 

"We will continue to pressure and challenge the restrictions imposed on the youths. If one of us is punished, it will inspire more to stand up and continue this struggle," it said.

 

The Kita Lawan movement came about following the jailing of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim in February.

 

It had since organised a series of rallies to protest the jailing and has also taken up public interest issues.