SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) have criticised the use of the Sedition Act to arrest and prosecute caretaker Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today.
In a joint statement, Muda President Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and PSM Chairman Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj called for repealing the Act.
Both believed that other provisions are available to manage issues similar to the one related to the Pas leader.
"Firstly, we reject the statement made by Sanusi; it was very immature and short-sighted for him to say it on the political stage.
"Muda and PSM uphold the Federal Constitution as the cornerstone of Malaysia's democratic system.
"However, we reject the use of the Sedition Act on him and call for this Act to be repealed," it said on Tuesday.
Sanusi allegedly made seditious remarks that could incite disloyalty towards the Rulers at 11pm on July 11 in Taman Selayang Mutiara.
He was charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or three years' jail or both for a first-time offender and imprisonment not exceeding five years for subsequent offences if convicted.
In justifying the call for repealing the Act, both party leaders said it was in line with the promise of Pakatan Harapan (PH) for reforms.
They added that the Madani Government championed by PH has been fighting to repeal the Act for a long time, with it being part of its manifesto.
"PH cannot be an idealist only when they are an Opposition and then abandon their principles when they gain power. Muda and PSM once again call for the Sedition Act to be repealed.
"A new law can be enacted, if necessary, by holding discussions and involving all parties, including non-governmental bodies," the statement explained.
The "draconian" and outdated Act, they said, was used by the British colonisers to maintain their power.
"Even the United Kingdom has abolished this Act in their country since the 70s.
"In addition, we also question Sanusi's arrest at 3am when he could have been ordered to appear on his own at the police station or the court," the statement said.