PSM, Muda join chorus of criticism over use of Sedition Act on Sanusi

Muda and its newfound electoral partner Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) today joined the chorus of criticism over the use of the Sedition Act against Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, while also questioning his early morning arrest ahead of his court hearing.

In a joint statement, PSM chairman Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said that the government led by Pakatan Harapan had long campaigned for the abolition of the act.

"In fact, this was contained in its manifesto. We cannot be idealists when in opposition and abandon our principles when in power."

Calling the law "draconian" and "outdated", they said they rejected Sanusi's statement which they described as "immature and shallow".

"However, we reject the use of the Sedition Act against him and call for this act to be abolished.

"The draconian and obsolete act, which was legislated by the British colonisers to maintain their power, must be abolished."

Adding that there were other legal provisions to deal with such matters, they said that a new law could also be made, if necessary, with input from stakeholders including NGOs.

"We also question the move to arrest him at 3am, when he could just be instructed to present himself whether at the police station or court."

They reiterated their call for the Sedition Act to be abolished, in line with the reforms championed throughout the years. 

"What is the point of negotiating for power if it is not used to bring about change?" they said.