Dr Azmi Sharom to appear in High Court, hearing fixed for Nov 7

Universiti Malaya (UM) Law lecturer, Prof Dr Azmi Sharom will appear in High Court for challenging legality and to review the constitutionality of Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948. Another allegation for making seditious remarks has been postponed to Nov 7 instead of Oct 3. Judge Zanol Rashid Hussain made the decision at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today. He was charged for an article entitled “Take Perak crisis route for speedy end to Selangor impasse, Pakatan Told" (Take the Perak crisis, solve the deadlock soon Selangor, Pakatan told), a report published by a news portal on Aug 14. Azmi, who is also the president Association of University Staff (PKAUM) had allegedly committed the offense at the Kuala Lumpur Police headquarters on Aug 15. Meanwhile, he was charged for another allegation of publishing seditious statements in accordance with Section 4 (1) (c) of the Sedition Act. Both offenses carries a maximum of three years in prison or a fine of RM5,000 or both.

Azmi’s lawyer, Gobind Singh Deo said, this is the first time the High Court will review the constitution of the Sedition Act 1948 on grounds that the law was not enacted in Parliament. Gobind also explained that it was also not as stipulated in the Article 10 of the Constitution Act which guarantees the freedom of speech. "The judge agreed to our request, the case was sent to the High Court so it can decide the constitutional questions raised and make a decision," he said. On Sept 17, Dr. Azmi filed an application at the Sessions Court to review the constitutional aspects of the relevance of the Sedition Act 1948. Dr. Azmi also appealed for the charges against him were suspended or revoked. Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Idris Jala explained via Twitter that Dr. Azmi was not supposed to be charged for sedition. Idris told, the country moves towards simplicity, constructive criticism or dissent should be allowed in addition to academic freedom should look in the process of acquiring knowledge.