The application of the Minor Offences Act 1955 against the eight people who are accused of assaulting Shah Alam MP Khalid Abdul Samad on Parliament grounds in November last year sends the wrong message, said lawyer Syahredzan Johan.

The Minor Offences Act is rarely used, because offences under the act are often perceived to be too minor to be brought to court, he said.

Even if the charges are brought, the accused would often simply plead guilty because the penalties are minor...