JELUTONG MP RSN Rayer has condemned the use of the Sedition Act to arrest former journalist Rex Tan, saying that this piece of legislation is archaic in the age of transparency and freedom of information.
Rayer, a senior lawyer, said that Tan should be released after his statement is recorded, and the use of the seditious legislation is unnecessary.
Calls to abolish the Sedition Act 1948 persist from rights groups like the Malaysian Bar and Amnesty International, citing its use to stifle dissent and freedom of expression, despite promises for reform, though recent statements suggest it might only be used for provocative statements against the Royalty.
The colonial - era law is criticised for its broad and vague wording, allowing low thresholds for prosecution, with many arguing for its full repeal to uphold fundamental rights, though the government has previously reversed pledges to abolish it, citing national security and public order.
Rayer said that if the relevant authorities want to impose such a law, they must be consistent and fair in applying the legislation on the would - be offenders.
"I had questioned why the authorities are silent on the alleged seditious remark by Pengkalan Chepa MP Ahmad Marzuk Shaary, who likened Malaysia's current political situation to the Palestinians."
The MP had reportedly exclaimed that the non - Muslims were dominating the economy, and this can then lead to similar conditions in Palestine, where their people are oppressed due to the poor economic conditions, said Rayer.
He said that the law must apply to all sides.
Fellow lawyer S. Raveentharan said that the authorities may have overreacted to the issue concerning Tan, a journalist, who has just resigned from the freemalaysiatoday.com portal.
"It is a notion of the freedom of the press. Did Tan write anything libellous or malicious other than posing a query? It may not have been framed well, but does it qualify for the lad to be arrested?" said Raveentharan.
He hopes that good sense can prevail and the former journalist be released soon. - January 17, 2026.
