Chin Tong, a member of the Johor DAP, has called for the release of Murugan

Malaysia – Liew Chin Tong, the leader of the Johor DAP, today called for the repeal of the Sedition Act of 1948, calling it “an oppressive statute that has no place in Malaysian democracy.”

S Murugan, a fellow DAP member, was held by police earlier today under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948.

“I was told that Murugan, a DAP member in Paloh, was held by the police on April 11 at approximately midnight under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948,” Liew said in a statement.

“Murugan should not be arrested under the Sedition Act,” says the author. The Sedition Act should be abolished, according to the Johor DAP, since it is an oppressive statute that has no place in Malaysian democracy.

He also added that the country already have enough laws in place to deal with issues of freedom and free expression in the society.

Murugan, a 43-year-old Paloh DAP campaign worker, was hauled up by police at his Paloh home about midnight tonight and transported to Johor Baru, according to sources.

The events were reportedly provoked by a post on Murugan’s personal Facebook page ahead of the recently finished Johor state election, according to Liew, who was also just named as Johor Opposition Leader.

“The Johor Baru Magistrates’ Court granted a three-day remand application against him this morning for the purpose of inquiry.”

“The Johor DAP appeals to the general population to show support for Murugan. “We will also give pro bono legal support to assist him in dealing with this circumstance,” the Perling assemblyman stated.

Murugan was held after a police report was filed against him at Iskandar Puteri, according to Sheikh Omar Bagharib Ali, vice-chairman of the Johor DAP. According to reports, the probe was launched under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948 in relation to a Facebook post that reportedly encouraged Indians to vote against MIC.