Malaysiakini editor, Klang MP under sedition investigation over remarks on Federal Court contempt ruling
Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan arrives at the Federal Court in Putrajaya February 19, 2021. ― Picture by Hari Anggara
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 — Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan and Klang MP Charles Santiago are under police investigations over their comments on the Federal Court’s decision that found the news portal guilty of contempt and fined it RM500,000.
Malaysiakini reported Kuala Muda district police chief confirming that two separate police reports lodged were by an individual from an NGO based in Gurun, Kedah.
The news portal said that investigation papers have been opened under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998.
In an immediate response, Charles defended his right to comment on the case involving Malaysiakini, citing Article 10 of the Federal Constitution that grants citizens the rights to free speech and expression.
“I was, therefore, exercising my fundamental right. And in this regard, I should be able to express my views and concerns about the verdict without the fear of contempt or police reports, in this instance.
“The Federal Court’s decision was not unanimous. There was a dissenting judgment. It’s equally important to remember that Federal Court decisions have been reversed and as a lawmaker, I am duty-bound, to speak out.
“Police reports seem to fast become a norm in this country. I really hope we can look at other crucial issues Malaysia and her people are grappling with now,” Charles said in a statement, and offered his full cooperation to the police should he be called for questioning.
Separately, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng expressed shock over the police investigations, and stated his support for Gan and Charles.
“DAP is gravely disturbed by police investigation under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communications Act, on both Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan and DAP Klang MP Charles Santiago, for criticising the Federal Court decision finding Malaysiakini guilty of contempt of court for comments left by its readers.
“Criticising a court decision is not seditious and is a far cry from making seditious remarks questioning the integrity of the judiciary. Criticising a court decision has been the legal convention and to silence such differences of opinion is no different from stifling legitimate dissent and freedom of speech,” Lim said.
He lamented that police investigation into Gan and Charles would only serve to stifle freedom of the press and speech even more.
“Is putting freedom of the press and speech on straitjackets the new normal after the declaration of emergency and suspension of Parliament? Without a functioning Parliament, the government can exercise dictatorial powers,” he added.
Lim said that the investigation would only give a “negative impression of an insecure government that has lost its parliamentary majority, systematically snuffing out democracy and fundamental human rights, one by one.”
He also asked if the police would also investigate the many similar comments and criticisms which were made, after the Federal Court’s verdict.
Malaysiakini reported Kuala Muda district police chief confirming that two separate police reports lodged were by an individual from an NGO based in Gurun, Kedah.
The news portal said that investigation papers have been opened under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998.
In an immediate response, Charles defended his right to comment on the case involving Malaysiakini, citing Article 10 of the Federal Constitution that grants citizens the rights to free speech and expression.
“I was, therefore, exercising my fundamental right. And in this regard, I should be able to express my views and concerns about the verdict without the fear of contempt or police reports, in this instance.
“The Federal Court’s decision was not unanimous. There was a dissenting judgment. It’s equally important to remember that Federal Court decisions have been reversed and as a lawmaker, I am duty-bound, to speak out.
“Police reports seem to fast become a norm in this country. I really hope we can look at other crucial issues Malaysia and her people are grappling with now,” Charles said in a statement, and offered his full cooperation to the police should he be called for questioning.
Separately, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng expressed shock over the police investigations, and stated his support for Gan and Charles.
“DAP is gravely disturbed by police investigation under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communications Act, on both Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan and DAP Klang MP Charles Santiago, for criticising the Federal Court decision finding Malaysiakini guilty of contempt of court for comments left by its readers.
“Criticising a court decision is not seditious and is a far cry from making seditious remarks questioning the integrity of the judiciary. Criticising a court decision has been the legal convention and to silence such differences of opinion is no different from stifling legitimate dissent and freedom of speech,” Lim said.
He lamented that police investigation into Gan and Charles would only serve to stifle freedom of the press and speech even more.
“Is putting freedom of the press and speech on straitjackets the new normal after the declaration of emergency and suspension of Parliament? Without a functioning Parliament, the government can exercise dictatorial powers,” he added.
Lim said that the investigation would only give a “negative impression of an insecure government that has lost its parliamentary majority, systematically snuffing out democracy and fundamental human rights, one by one.”
He also asked if the police would also investigate the many similar comments and criticisms which were made, after the Federal Court’s verdict.
***
No longer an offence to criticise judiciary, says Ramkarpal
BUKIT Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said it was no longer an offence under the Sedition Act to criticise the administration of justice.
He said this in support of Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan and Klang MP Charles Santiago, who both face police investigations for criticising a Federal Court decision against the news portal.
BUKIT Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh said it was no longer an offence under the Sedition Act to criticise the administration of justice.
He said this in support of Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan and Klang MP Charles Santiago, who both face police investigations for criticising a Federal Court decision against the news portal.
***
Sedition here, Emergency there, Contempt of Court Here, POTA there.
ReplyDeleteBolehland becoming more and more like Communist.
i told u the communist is here.
ReplyDeleteTo a 犬养mfer, everything happened in Bolihland is the fault of communist.
DeleteNever in its f*cked mind, they r its own doing, together with its dangdut pals entitlement mentality.
So simple & easy, as lives go on in that fart filled well!
Just remember, karma - even thought dickheads ain't understand it's underlying causality!
we look forward the return of macho trump to kick the communists ass. pussy grabbing joe can only do pussy task, thats the main cause y sea is now under communist rule, albeit a malay n muslim one.
DeleteWakakakakaka…
DeleteDream on - mfer!
First, u need to join the proud boys, ONLY in chanting slogans as u have d one just NOW.
Second, get yr 蔡妹妹 to channel more Formosa reserve to support trump's second coming. But make very sure u CAN 'satisfy' her wanton desires!
This means every time someone disagrees with a court decision and appeals he commits sedition/contempt? Like Jibby?
ReplyDeleteJibby submitted 307 reasons why the High Court judge that pronounced him guilty was wrong.
DeleteSo he committed sedition 307 times?
QUOTE
Najib's SRC appeal now scheduled for April 5
Hafiz Yatim
theedgemarkets.com
February 03, 2021
PUTRAJAYA (Feb 3): The Court of Appeal (COA) today decided that former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak's appeal to set aside his conviction and sentence in relation to the SRC International Sdn Bhd case is now fixed for 12 days beginning April 5, and not Feb 15 or March as was decided earlier.
The dates for the hearing of the appeal are from April 5 to 8, 12 to 15 and 19 to 22, as decided by the COA's senior deputy registrar N Kanageswari and deputy registrar Darmafikri Abu Adam. Both of them handled the case management today.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Mohd Ashrof Adrin Kamarul appeared for the state, while lawyers Nur Syahirah Hanapiah and Muhammad Farhan Shafee appeared for the defence.
Parties were directed to file the amended appeal record by Feb 8, and they are required to file written submissions by March 1 and the reply to each other submission by March 19.
Another case management date was fixed for Feb 19 for the case.
The defence led by Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah since last month questioned the notes of proceedings as to the trial that lasted 57 days as the former prime minister filed 307 grounds to set aside the conviction and sentence.
UNQUOTE
Of course it is an attempt to curtail freedom of speech by the Muhyiddin administration.
ReplyDeleteOnly in Malaysia is it so blatant that the government is trying to suppress freeedom of the press and stifle democracy.
I say f**k the AG.F**k the Muhyiddin government