Chegubard arrest: Bersatu Youth warns PM of Sedition Act use

Bersatu Youth chief Hilman Idham issued a stern reminder to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over Pakatan Harapan’s promise to abolish the colonial-era Sedition Act, which has been used against various prominent opposition leaders.

In his speech to launch the Bersatu Youth annual general assembly, Hilman condemned the latest arrest of the party’s Port Dickson division chief, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, allegedly over a speech at a ceramah in Bagan Serai, Perak.

“I want to stress this, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim - in the past, you promised to abolish the Sedition Act, but now you are using it to defend your power.

“Remember, remember! The world is round.

“When the time comes, we in Bersatu Youth will make sure that you too will be abolished from Putrajaya!” said the Gombak Setia assemblyperson to delegates gathered at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), in Shah Alam, today.

In a video, Badrul was heard speaking about the Malay rulers and an alleged attempt by certain quarters to make the Malays lose respect for the royalty.

In his speech, Hilman also referred to a recent string of arrests against Bersatu leaders, which he claimed were due to speeches critical of the government.

“What we have gone through, what we are currently going through, is part and parcel of our struggle that will only help us to mature.

“At a time when our commitment is tested, remember, our spirit of solidarity and camaraderie is also being tested.

“There is no more personal interest, but instead, only to sacrifice ourselves for the struggle,” he added.

MIC presence

Meanwhile, seated on the main stage were MIPP Youth chief Justin Prabakaran and PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden. Also spotted in attendance was MIC deputy youth chief K Kesavan.

Met later, Kesavan said, “I came upon invitation but the decision will be made by the top leadership.”

His attendance today follows four MIC state liaison committees passing resolutions to withdraw from BN.

Amid mounting resentment in MIC and MCA, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had invited the two BN component parties to join forces, noting their disappointment at being left without representation in the government.

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