Syed Saddiq: We need to relook into Sedition Act
KUALA LUMPUR: There is a need to relook into the Sedition Act 1948 following the conviction of independent preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin, said Pakatan Harapan youth leader Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
He said this at a press conference held at the Royal Lake Club in Kuala Lumpur today.
“The Pakatan Harapan Youth is demanding for this matter to be studied thoroughly as abolishing the Sedition Act is part of our election manifesto.
“We also want to defend Wan Ji as his punishment was increased by the court. That is unfair,” said Syed Saddiq.
Wan Ji, who is also PKR religious bureau member, had his prison sentence increased from nine months to one year yesterday by the High Court for making seditious statements against the Selangor Ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
The court’s decision was criticised by civil rights movements. They also condemned Pakatan leaders for failing to live up to its promise to abolish the Sedition Act.
On related matter, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin expressed her sympathy for Wan Ji and urged the relevant parties to file an appeal against the sentencing.
“We are practising democracy but in Wan Ji’s case, I sympathise with him. I hope we can appeal against the sentencing to reduce his jail time or free him altogether,” she said.
On why the delay in abolishing the Sedition Act, the PKR leader said the government was overwhelmed with a lot of procedures in bringing about changes.
“If we don’t abide by it, we become the same as the Barisan Nasional government.
“You have to ask Minister in Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Law (Datuk Seri Liew Vui Keong),” said Zuraida.
By K Pragalath
