20-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged not to abuse his power to oppress anyone, including opposition party members. Mr Anwar made the statement in response to criticism over the use of the Sedition Act in the prosecution of caretaker Kedah chief minister Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for allegedly insulting Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. The Sedition Act is generally avoided in Malaysia but is deemed necessary in cases involving comments against the royal institution, according to Mr Anwar.
The opposition has accused Mr Anwar and the government of using legal instruments to suppress political opponents. Muhyiddin Yassin, chairman of the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition, accused the government of selectively prosecuting Sanusi. Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin claimed the charges were motivated by political vengeance. Sanusi pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a maximum sentence of three years in jail or a fine of RM5,000 ($1,100). He was granted bail of RM5,000 for each charge.
Mr Anwar, who himself has served time in prison on corruption and sodomy charges, said he would not oppress anyone, regardless of their political affiliation. He also stressed that he would never use the Sedition Act against his critics and would, at most, file suits or lodge police reports. However, he said that criticism of the Malay rulers was off-limits as they were above politics and the heads of states and the country.
The Sedition Act has been used to prosecute government critics, including journalists and activists, in the past. Its use has been criticised by human rights groups, who argue that it is a tool for suppressing free speech and dissent.
