A small group of protesters expressing solidarity with law lecturer Azmi Sharom were told to take their rally outside Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) grounds.

The group of 20 - students, NGO activists and several elected representatives - were told politely to hold their rally outside the university gates on Jalan Sungai Dua by USM security department head P Sundramoorthy, who is also a criminologist.

The group, led by the Student Progressive Front (SPF), complied despite being stopped while they were half-way through their speeches.

For a brief moment, the group carried placards condemning the 1948 Sedition Act, including one which says ‘Rosmah Mansuh Akta Hasutan’.

They were taking a dig at the father’s name of the prime minister’s wife, ‘Mansor’, which sounds similar to ‘mansuh’ (abolish).

Political scientist Wong Chin Huat said the 1948 Sedition Act is a tool of oppression to criminalise and colonise the people’s minds.

Wong said it was ironic that the federal government had launched a series of arrests under the Sedition Act during the Merdeka season.

“We are not doing this because we love Azmi, we are also doing this for all victims of the Sedition law.

“Unlike the charge of criminal defamation, truth is no defence for  sedition.

“You will get into trouble as long as you anger someone. What independence are we talking about?” he asked.

“Independence is not only about changing from colonial rule but it must also ensure our minds are not colonised,” said the Penang Institute research fellow.

Accompanying Wong (left) were Penang cabinet member Dr Afif Bahardin, several academicians, former USM lecturer Mustafa Kamal Anuar, Aliran treasurer Anil Netto, PKR’s Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and Machang Bubok assemblyperson Lee Khai Loon.

Outside the university compound, SPF spokesperson Lee Chung Lun said the rally was to “pressure” the prosecution to drop the sedition charges against Azmi, who is a Universiti Malaya academician.

The group also wants the authorities to stop the “selective prosecution” towards politicians from the (federal) opposition camp.

“The authorities should respect the academic freedom of students and academicians.

“We urge Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to fulfil his promise to repeal the Sedition Act,” said Lee.

This is part of a simultaneous rally held for Azmi and other victims of the Act at UM today attended by 500, including lecturers and undergraduates.

Related stories

Drop action against Loone, urges press watchdog

Preacher arrested in Sedition Act crackdown

500 UM students march for law lecturer

Drop charges against law don, Bar Council urges AG