Prof. Ramasamy Palanisamy has voiced strong reservations about the Malaysian government's decision to charge Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin under the Sedition Act of 1948. This controversial move, according to Ramasamy, could inadvertently enhance Muhyiddin’s standing rather than diminish it.
Muhyiddin's charges stem from remarks he made during the Nenggiri by-election campaign, where he expressed dissatisfaction over not being selected as Prime Minister by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) in 2022. Despite claiming to have secured a parliamentary majority, Muhyiddin was not appointed, and Anwar Ibrahim was chosen instead. This dissatisfaction was voiced by Muhyiddin in a speech that has now led to his legal troubles.
Ramasamy criticizes the government’s reliance on the Sedition Act, an archaic law dating back to 1948, arguing that it contradicts the reformist image the current administration projects. He contends that while Muhyiddin’s comments may have been contentious, charging him under such a draconian statute seems excessive and out of step with the government's purported commitment to modern democratic principles.
The professor also challenges the notion that the numerous police reports against Muhyiddin reflect a serious criminal offense. Instead, he suggests that these reports are more likely influenced by political motivations rather than genuine legal concerns. The sheer number of reports, according to Ramasamy, should not be conflated with the gravity of the alleged offense.
Ramasamy’s argument centers on the belief that the use of the Sedition Act against a prominent opposition leader might not only fail to discredit Muhyiddin but could actually bolster his popularity. By prosecuting him under such a controversial and outdated law, the government risks portraying itself as hypocritical and repressive, which could rally public support for Muhyiddin.
The professor warns that the current administration's reliance on such laws may ultimately undermine its own position. Instead of advancing reforms and embracing democratic openness, the Madani government risks appearing as if it is clinging to outdated methods of control. This, Ramasamy argues, could lead to the government’s political downfall, as it alienates potential supporters and strengthens its opponents.
In essence, Ramasamy’s critique highlights a significant concern: the potential for the government’s legal actions to backfire, thereby unintentionally aiding the opposition. The use of the Sedition Act in this context may reinforce criticisms of the government's integrity and commitment to reform, potentially setting the stage for a reversal of fortunes in the political landscape.
Kamran is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.