Don't just follow along with draconian laws, Muhyiddin tells cops

Summary

• PN chairperson Muhyiddin wants police to stop using draconian laws against political dissidents.

• Ex-premier suggests advice or consultation if there are any issues.

• Muhyiddin calls out Anwar for reneging on promise to repeal Sedition Act.

Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin has urged the police to stop using draconian laws against political dissidents.

He said this after authorities investigated protesters at last Saturday’s “Turun Anwar” rally for alleged offences, including under the Sedition Act 1948.

“I call on the police not to simply follow along (terikut-ikut). In my view, this kind of action should be stopped.

“And not just in this case, but moving forward, do not use such laws any more, laws that are viewed as cruel and draconian.

“If there are any issues, perhaps advice or consultation could be offered, so that those involved do not have to face actions that bring harm, not only to individuals, but also to the legal system of our country,” he said in a video address last night, which was posted on his social media accounts.

He also called out Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for reneging on his promise to abolish draconian laws like the Sedition Act.

“So when an incident like this occurs now, I see it as not only cruel but also something with serious negative consequences.

“It shows that the promises they made have not been fulfilled.

“They promised to abolish it - but instead of abolishing it, it is now being used,” said Muhyiddin, who is also the Bersatu president.

Effigy stunt

The Turun Anwar rally was held in Kuala Lumpur to call for Anwar’s resignation over a range of grievances, particularly the rising cost of living.

Malaysiakini estimated, based on ground observations, that about 25,000 protestors turned up for the rally. Police estimated the figure at about 18,000, while organisers claimed 500,000.

Police have arrested several people in the wake of the protest, including Bersatu division chief Badrul Hisham Shaharin, Perak Bersatu Youth organising secretary Furqan Hakimi, and Bersatu member Syafiq Aziz.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said the police are investigating an incident during the rally where several individuals were seen caning an effigy resembling Anwar.

The case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, Section 504 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.

Sedition Act invoked during Muhyiddin’s time

It should be noted that the authorities had invoked the Sedition Act to investigate individuals during Muhyiddin’s premiership between March 2020 and August 2021.

On July 7, 2020, the police questioned the Al-Jazeera news channel and one of its journalists over a “101 East” episode that highlighted the alleged mistreatment of undocumented migrants in Malaysia.

Then-inspector-general of police Abdul Hamid Bador said the probe will be carried out under several provisions of the Penal Code and Sedition Act.

On Aug 4, 2020, the police and MCMC conducted a joint raid against the offices of Astro and Unifi TV, in addition to Al-Jazeera.

On Nov 5, 2020, the police investigated the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) under the Sedition Act over an article regarding the role of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The association’s president Yap Wen Qing, and vice-president Tan Li Yuan were quizzed for close to three hours at the Kajang district police headquarters.

Their lawyer Rajsurian Pillai said both student leaders were investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

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