The Seditious Hypocrisy

“In matters of fashion, swim with the current. In matters of conscience, stand like a rock.” – Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States

Sorry to say that, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) is practicing hypocrisy on the usage of the infamous legislation – Sedition Act 1948.

At one time, its secretary-general was a “victim” of the Sedition Act.

If my memory serves me correctly, Lim Guan Eng was found guilty under the Section 4(1)(b) of the Act for causing ‘disaffection with the administration of justice in Malaysia‘. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and he was released on 25.8.1999.

Since then the DAP has passed numerous resolutions, to urge the Government to repeal the Sedition Act, and called it as draconian law.

However on the recent developments, DAP seem forgetful over its stands against this draconian law.

Firstly, its party president, Karpal Singh, have suggested to the Attorney-General’s Chamber, to prosecute the “not-so-sane-lawyer” Lingam under the Sedition Act. This was reported on the media on 18.11.2009.

Subsequently on the next day, its secretary-general followed the step. Lim Guan Eng has pressured the police to investigate the seditious rumours which are against the state government under the Sedition Act 1948.

For my curiosity, is DAP favour or against the Sedition Act? Will they repeal the Act if they came into power?

Obviously, if Sedition Act is a bad law (or unfair), then why would DAP suggested it to be applicable?

By the way, Karpal Singh is facing a charge under Sedition Act. He is alleged to have uttered seditious words during a media conference relating to the Sultan of Perak on 6.2.2009.

Will the stand be different, if Karpal Singh was found guilty?

Perhaps DAP has more to learn from Thomas Jefferson.