Kedah MB charged, what about others?

 No News Is Bad News

 

There is no such thing as absolute freedom of speech in the world, not even in the the world’s biggest democracy, the US.

Kedah MB charged, what about others?

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18, 2023: Now that Kedah caretaker Mentri Besar Sanusi Nor has been charged in court with two counts of sedition against the Selangor Sultan, Malaysians await the many others who had spewed racial and religious bigotry to face justice.

Not surprising, the unrepentant Sanusi, whose apology to the Selangor Sultan is seen as insincere, has resorted to garner public sympathy by claiming that there was no freedom of speech.

Of course that is not entirely true nor accurate, politically and realistically.

In Malaysia, the Sedition Act is realistically needed to defend and uphold national unity and harmony.

This is because multi-racial Malaysia is constantly threatened by Taliban-like racial and religious bigots who exploit the sensitivities to score political points for power since Merdeka (Independence) 1957.

And Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is absolutely right in asserting that the Sedition Act plays a key role in preventing unhealthy political discourse.

Moreover, there is no such thing as absolute freedom of speech in the world, not even in the the world’s biggest democracy, the US.

Unless such bigots, who care not for the rakyat dan negara (people and country), are wiped from the face of Malaysia, the Act is the only way to bring such anti-nationals to face justice.

Moreover, No News Is Bad News maintains that there is freedom of speech, but irresponsible bigots lack discipline and responsibility in the use of the freedom for good causes.

We quote these words from the then dictatorial Ugandian president Idi Amin: “There is freedom of speech. But I cannot guarantee freedom after speech.”

 

No News Is Bad News reproduces below news related to the issue:

Sanusi charged with sedition against rulers

He is alleged to have committed the offence at a ceramah in Selangor on July 11.

Faisal Asyraf - 18 Jul 2023, 9:39am

Caretaker Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor on his arrival at the Selayang sessions court this morning.

SELAYANG: Sanusi Nor pleaded not guilty in the sessions court today to two charges of making seditious statements against royalty.

Both charges were brought under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, upon conviction.

Sanusi is Perikatan Nasional election director and also caretaker Kedah menteri besar. He is alleged to have committed the offences at Simpang Empat, Taman Selayang Mutiara in Gombak, Selangor, on July 11.

Solicitor-General Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh prosecuted, while Sanusi was represented by Shaharudin Ali.

In respect of the first charge, Sanusi appeared before sessions court judge Nor Rajiah Mat Zin, who allowed bail of RM5,000 in one surety.

Later, in a separate court, Sanusi pleaded not guilty to a second charge of making a statement deemed seditious before judge Osman Affendi Shalleh allowed bail of RM5,000 in one surety.

Both courts fixed the case for mention on Oct 4 and imposed a gag order on Sanusi to refrain him from making any comment regarding the case.

No freedom of speech in Malaysia, claims Sanusi

Sanusi Nor says the sedition charges against him are politically motivated ahead of the six state elections on Aug 12.

Samuel Chua - 18 Jul 2023, 12:09pm

Sanusi Nor pleaded not guilty in the Selayang sessions court today to two charges under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948 of making seditious statements against royalty.

SELAYANG: Sanusi Nor has accused the government of stiffling free speech after he was charged with two counts of sedition against rulers today.

Sanusi, who is Perikatan Nasional election director and caretaker Kedah menteri besar, pleaded not guilty to two sedition charges in separate courts relating to his speech at a ceramah in Gombak on July 11.

Both judges imposed a gag order refraining Sanusi from making any comment regarding the case.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Sanusi claimed the charges were politically motivated ahead of the six state elections on Aug 12.

“It seems that in Malaysia, we can’t say anything,” said Sanusi.

“In Malaysia, we have a fearful government that uses the police to arrest and suppress our freedom of speech, with all public agencies being used to impede the development and well-being of the people.

“I am confident that with these charges, many Malaysians (now) realise their (government’s) real intentions.”

Sedition Act needed in cases involving rulers, says Anwar

Caretaker Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor was charged today with two counts of making seditious statements against royalty.

Elill Easwaran - 18 Jul 2023, 12:30pm

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Sedition Act plays a key role in preventing unhealthy political discourse. (Bernama pic)

SEKINCHAN: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended the use of the Sedition Act after caretaker Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Nor was charged with two counts of making seditious statements against royalty.

Both charges were brought under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948, which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, upon conviction.

“Yes, fundamentally, we avoid the use of the Sedition Act. However, when it comes to matters concerning the positions of the rulers…,” said Anwar.

“… when it comes to the position and dignity of the rulers… This is something we should uphold and prevent from turning into unhealthy political discourse,” he added after officiating the Sentuhan Agro Madani programme at MSekin Wonderland here today.

Sanusi pleaded not guilty to the two charges which relate to his speech at a ceramah in Gombak on July 11.