DAP strongly condemns the Attorney-General Chambers for filing a cross-appeal to the Court of Appeal seeking a heavier sentence against DAP National Chairman Karpal Singh, who was fined RM4,000 for sedition by the Kuala Lumpur High Court on March 11. Karpal had appealed against both his conviction and sentence which would disqualify him as DAP MP for Bukit Glugor and also barred him from holding all political posts,
Karpal had stepped down as DAP National Chairman in compliance with the Societies Act. The Court of Appeal could impose the maximum RM5,000 fine or a maximum of 3 years jail. Deputy public prosecutor Noorin Badaruddin had pressed for a deterrent sentence and even threatened the High Court that failure to impose a heavy sentence on Karpal would be disrespectful of the Royalty.
By wanting to jail Karpal at all costs is clearly political motivated to finish off Karpal’s political career. DAP will stand solidly in solidarity with Karpal and I will recommend at the DAP CEC meeting on 7 April 2014 to reserve the post of Chairman of DAP to Karpal until he has resolved the appeal. DAP demands that the Attorney-General demonstrates its commitment to respect for international human rights, justice and freedom of expression by withdrawing their appeal.
At a time when Malaysia’s international image and reputation has suffered a beating following the MH370 airplane’s disappearance on 8th March and the kidnapping of a Chinese tourist Singamata Reef Resort off Semporna, Sabah 2 days ago, Karpal’s conviction and sentence has further tarnished Malaysia’s image. International Commission of Jurist (ICJ), Malaysian Bar Council and Lawyers for Liberty have condemned the Malaysian government for brazenly utilising a draconian and outdated sedition law to restrict freedom of expression in the country.