Malaysians Say The Darndest Things!

Kickdefella A Victim Of Selective Application Of Laws

September 20, 2008

Husam Musa and Kickdefella (right) - Copyright JYPix (I assume it’s Miss Jed Yoong :))

The news today reported that fellow blogger, Sheih of Kickdefella, or real name Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz, will be remanded by the police until 5pm tomorrow (Saturday 20th September). From what I’ve been reading so far, it seems that there is a likelihood that he will be charged under the Sedition Act. I personally think it’s a frivolous charge since his ‘crime’ is probably for displaying a cyber Jalur Gemilang upside down. Is our country that crime-free, that resources have to be spent to arrest someone for displaying the flag in that manner?

I write this post in solidarity with Sheih. I do not believe that he warrants being charged. I hope by 5pm tomorrow, he walks out of the police station a free man, just as Teresa Kok walked out a free woman after being released from the ISA today.

Having said that, I cannot help but point out hypocrisies in the way the police work. The term “berat sebelah” comes to mind. Yes yes, everyone already knows that the police are biased in the way they selectively arrest people, but it is still warranted to point out a few recent cases that come to mind:

Case #1: Ahmad Ismail
Ok, most of you are trying to either forget this man, or condemn him as a bitter memory. But don’t forget that there are still police reports that are pending against Mr. Orang Cina Pendatang. If there is an example of someone who qualifies to be charged under the “inciting race hatred” portion of the Sedition Act, this man absolutely fits the bill. Or are we to understand that the police have already marked his case file as closed, since UMNO has already ‘punished’ him with 3 years suspension from the party? Boohoo.

Case #2: Khir Toyo
Teresa Kok has been released from the ISA, which means that the rumors against her were unfounded. Who spread these rumors that Teresa Kok was instrumental in stopping the call to prayers for certain mosques? None other than former Selangor MB Khir Toyo in cahoots with Utusan Malaysia. Police reports have been filed by both mosque authorities and also MP of the area concerned, Siti Mariah Mahmud against Khir Toyo. One blogger, by the name of Raja Petra Kamaruddin has been charged with criminal defamation for his postings, perhaps the police will ‘extend the courtesy’ to Khir Toyo as well?

What are my predictions for both cases above? I bet on “Case closed, NFA (no further action)”. Anyone can take me up on that bet, and if I lose, I’ll buy you a McChicken (if you’re vegetarian, I’ll buy you some broccoli).

To end this post, I hope for the best for Syed Azidi tomorrow. In a press statement read by his lawyer today, Syed Azidi says:

“I’m well and in good spirits. I wish everybody the best. I hope to start blogging again tomorrow.”

We hope so too, Sheih, we hope so too.

You Might Find These Interesting

• Syed Hamid Introduces A Unique Way To Seek Protection
• 2 Out Of ISA, How About The Rest?
• Badawi, Take A Good Look In The Mirror!
• And They Said Bloggers Published Lies. Khir Toyo how?
• Walk With RPK? More Than Happy To Do So

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