Pakatan Harapan had pledged in both the 2018 and 2022 general elections to repeal the Sedition Act.
DAP MP Ramkarpal Singh has criticised Pakatan Harapan for its apparent lack of political will to abolish or amend the Sedition Act, following a sedition probe against activist-artist Fahmi Reza.
Fahmi is under investigation for social media posts questioning why Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim appeared to act without legal consequences. The post, dated 15 December, came less than a week after a company led by the Johor Regent launched a new cryptocurrency stablecoin, RMJDT.
Ramkarpal reminded the coalition that it had pledged in both the 2018 and 2022 general elections to repeal the Sedition Act and other laws with draconian provisions. However, no such initiative has been taken.
The former deputy law minister said the Sedition Act undermines constitutional guarantees of free speech, particularly because it disregards the intention behind a statement. “I have raised this issue in Parliament in the past, but there seems to be a lack of political will to effect the necessary reforms to at least make intention relevant under the said Act,” he said in a statement today.
“In these circumstances, I call upon the government to urgently review the said Act with a view to its total abolition or, at the very least, to reform it.”
He added that the law’s failure to consider intent is a serious flaw, as it does not differentiate between honest expression and incitement to hatred or violence. “For context, how would Fahmi be able to effectively defend himself if his intention or reasons behind what he supposedly said are not taken into account in the investigation process and later in court in the event he is charged?” he said.
Tunku Ismail is also facing speculation over his alleged involvement in the recruitment of seven “heritage” footballers, whom FIFA has accused of falsifying documents to obtain Malaysian citizenship.
Nine years ago, Tunku Ismail had publicly urged police not to arrest his critics.
Ramkarpal’s remarks come as DAP pushes for government reforms within six months, following the party’s defeat in the 29 November Sabah election. However, aside from the call for recognition of the United Examination Certificate, it remains unclear what specific reforms are being pursued.