A new dawn is upon us, and Malaysia has been going through some major changes in terms of practices and laws ever since.
Both Malaysians and the authorities are definitely taking some time to adapt to these new practices and orders that were introduced after the shift of government. Nevertheless, one thing’s for sure – after Pakatan Harapan (PH) took over the office, freedom of speech has been restored to everyone.
However, today (7 June 2018), The Star reported that Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun had instigated an investigation on veteran newsman Datuk A Kadir Jasin for sedition and defamation.
This investigation will be viewed as defying the new government’s promises.
Source: The Malaysian Times
Fuzi said that three police reports have been lodged against Kadir after he posted about the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V’s expenditures, which allegedly amounted to RM257 million in the last 16 months, on his personal blog.
“So far, three reports have been lodged against him, in Selangor, the Klang Valley and Kelantan,” said the Inspector-General of Police during a press conference at Menara TM after launching the OP Selamat 13/2018 campaign for Raya.
Source: FMT
He then continued saying,
“Along with sedition and defamation, he is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities or network service.”
Kadir, who is also the spokesman for the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP), was also criticised by PKR’s de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his blog post.
Source: Sarawak Voice
“While I support democracy and freedom of expression, what was said was inappropriate,” he said.
Anwar insists that there should be some level of decency when exercising our freedom of speech. True that!
“We have worked very hard to get the Malay Rulers to appreciate this new administration” and this was “unhealthy”, Anwar commented.
Meanwhile, the probe against Kadir didn’t sit well with lawyers and activists.
For illustration purposes | Source: Lawyers of Liberty
Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) and Gerakan Hapus Akta Hasutan (GHAH), which are groups campaigning to repeal the Sedition Act, said the investigation was not in line with the new government’s promise to annul oppressive laws.
LFL also indicated that Fuzi’s announcement was “shocking and unacceptable”.
Meanwhile, GHAH accused Fuzi of being in “the old state of mind” thus insisting that he should adapt to “a new Malaysia”.
Source: Sinar Harian
“Failing that, we advise him to follow the footsteps of the Bank Negara governor and other executive directors who gave up their posts,” said Amir Abd Hadi, GHAH spokesman.
That is a bit extreme, don’t you think?
All in all, this is a sticky situation because both parties make relevant points. The authorities sure don’t have it easy when dealing with this case!
Do you think the investigation against Kadir for sedition and defamation is appropriate? Let us know in the comments section!
Also read: Former NST Editor-in-Chief: M’sian Rulers Are More Secure Than Ever, No Need for Reassurance
