A-GC will review all ongoing sedition court cases in view of govt’s policy
If accused persons make legal representation for it, says DPP
THE Attorney-General’s Chambers (A-GC) will review ongoing sedition court cases in view of the current policy by the Pakatan Harapan government, a deputy public prosecutor told the Court of Appeal here yesterday.
Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin said the review would be undertaken provided that the accused persons made a legal representation to the A-GC.
He said the review would be undertaken in light of evidence and current policy of the new government, and requested for postponement of the appeal brought by former member of parliament N. Surendran.
Lawyer Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram, who represented Surendran, did not object to the postponement.
Justice Datuk Umi Kalthum Abdul Majid, chairing the threeman bench, set Aug 31 for case management.
The two other judges were justices Datuk Kamardin Hashim and Datuk Zabariah Mohd Yusof.
Surendran is appealing against the April 14, 2016, High Court’s dismissal of his application to refer three legal questions on the constitutionality of the Sedition Act 1948 to the Federal Court.
He was charged under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which provides for imprisonment of up to three years or a maximum fine of RM5,000, or both, upon conviction.
Sri Ram said he would make a representation to the A-GC in due course.
Wan Shaharuddin said there were about 10 cases that would be reviewed.
Lawyer Latheefa Koya, who is also representing Surendran, said the Pakatan Harapan government had promised to repeal the Sedition Act and other draconian laws.