Sedition: LFL likens Madani to North Korea, says Karpal turning in grave

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has condemned Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his administration for continuing to invoke the Sedition Act against critics, activists, and opponents.

“It seems that now no one can criticise the prime minister. This is governance a’ la North Korea,” said its executive director Zaid Malek.

LFL was responding to a Malaysiakini report that lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali is being investigated under the Sedition Act for a speech he made at the “Save Malaysia People’s Court Punish Anwar” rally in Perak on July 27.

Zaid pointed out that Anwar and Pakatan Harapan leaders, many of whom are in the present cabinet, had criticised the Sedition Act in the past and vowed to repeal it if the coalition came to power.

“The late (DAP chairperson) Karpal Singh was a staunch opponent of the Sedition Act. He must be turning in his grave now. DAP has become a supporter and upholder of sedition laws.

“It is an act of supreme betrayal that Harapan, the backbone of the Madani government, has entirely abandoned this promise and any previously held principles against the use of the Sedition Act against political opponents and government critics,” he added.

Fundamental liberties not upheld

Zaid said the continued usage of the draconian law exemplified the government’s failure to uphold the fundamental liberties guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

“They have slipped comfortably into authoritarianism,” he added.

Zaid noted that the unjust nature of the Sedition Act stemmed from its negation of the freedom of speech under Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | A refresher on the controversial Sedition Act

“It makes a mockery of democracy to criminalise criticism of the government.

“We note that increasingly, criticism directed at Anwar himself triggers the sedition or Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 probes. Where is the great democrat and reformist we were promised?” he asked.

Urging the government to take immediate steps to repeal the Sedition Act, Zaid said LFL demands that the criminal probes against Rafique be dropped.

“The probes are unlawful, unconstitutional, and a blatant abuse of power.

“Simply declaring that the government allows criticism against it is meaningless if the rakyat lives in perpetual fear of being slapped with a sedition charge for doing so,” he added.

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