Gerakan Hapus Akta Hasutan (GHAH) has condemned the investigation under the Sedition Act 1948 against three men for putting up ‘Free Anwar’ banners in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

The three men were arrested on Friday when they were trying to put up the banners, which were meant to promote a rally for jailed de facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 9.

GHAH coordinator Amir Abd Hadi noted that police had acted on complaints that the banners were supposedly seditious.

“GHAH urges the authorities to stop using the act based on mere assumptions.

“This archaic act should be abolished and should not be used against Malaysians on a whim to silence critics and perpetuate the government’s power,” he said.

Amir said this was not the first time the authorities had acted as such, with artists and opposition politicians targeted.

“The Sedition Act continues to be used to silence the people in the name of national security,” he said.

Amir also urged for all charges under the Sedition Act to be dropped and the law itself to be abolished without a similar replacement.

On Friday, Seberang Perai Tengah police chief Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid confirmed the three arrests.

“Police initiated an investigation under the Sedition Act after receiving police reports from members of the public about the installation of the banners which were allegedly seditious,” he was quoted as saying.

He added that similar banners installed at Alma, Bukit Teh and Permatang Tinggi in the last two days have also been removed by police.

He advised the rally organisers to stop installing such banners.

The rally coincides with a court case from Jan 9 to 12 in Penang, which Anwar must attend, thus he will be temporarily moved from Sungai Buloh prison in Selangor.

Bukit Mertajam Umno had complained about the banners and the division’s secretary, Mohd Fauzi Sharif, said a police report was made for stern action to be taken.