Exercise caution in comments over Wan Ji's case, says his lawyer
As support pours in for Wan Ji Wan Hussin on his temporary release from custody, his lawyer cautions that comments and views be expressed carefully to respect the rule of law.
The Muslim preacher’s counsel Mohd Radzlan Jalaluddin said that even in the New Malaysia Era, the people still need to ensure that any statement made falls within the ambit of the rule of law.
“We wish to extend our appreciation to friends out there, friends in politics and activists who followed closely what happened to Wan Ji over the past three days.
“We hope that all comments or views are given out carefully. In the New Malaysia Era, if possible, please ensure what is said is done within the ambit of the law and separation of power...
As support pours in for Wan Ji Wan Hussin on his temporary release from custody, his lawyer cautions that comments and views be expressed carefully to respect the rule of law.
The Muslim preacher’s counsel Mohd Radzlan Jalaluddin said that even in the New Malaysia Era, the people still need to ensure that any statement made falls within the ambit of the rule of law.
“We wish to extend our appreciation to friends out there, friends in politics and activists who followed closely what happened to Wan Ji over the past three days.
“We hope that all comments or views are given out carefully. In the New Malaysia Era, if possible, please ensure what is said is done within the ambit of the law and separation of power.
“We must respect the authority and also the separation of power. Many friends out there question why the government has not abolished the Sedition Act.
“We believe in the government's commitment that there would be no more prosecution of individuals under the Sedition Act.
“We need to give space to the government to scrutinise the new law to replace the Sedition Act, as announced by the prime minister yesterday,” Radzlan told the media outside the Shah Alam Sessions Court today.
“As lawyers, we know it is not easy to enact laws. In every law or sections in the law, the selection of words is important to ensure it does not mean (interpreted) differently.
“(So we) need to give space to the government to enact the law without being rushed,” he said.
Radzlan was speaking after the court allowed Wan Ji’s application for stay of execution of the court’s one-year jail term against him for sedition, pending the disposal of his appeal to the Court of Appeal.
On the prosecution not withdrawing its appeal all the way to the High Court, Radzlan did not wish to comment except to say it is within the prosecution’s discretion.
He reiterated that what matters now is his client’s appeal against both the one-year-jail term and the sedition conviction.
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