KUALA LUMPUR 16 April 2026 – The Legal Bureau Chief of DAP WANITA, Sangeet Kaur Deo, has strongly criticised the arrest and three-day remand of TikTok user Jorjet Myla, who is being investigated under the Sedition Act 1948 for allegedly criticising Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a video
In a press statement issued today, Deo described the use of the colonial-era law against online criticism of a public office holder as “troubling” and “starkly inconsistent” with the MADANI Government’s previous pledges.
“The Sedition Act is alive and kicking in Malaysia. Has the MADANI Government forgotten its once fierce critique of this piece of legislation, especially in the context of criticism directed at the Prime Minister, who, as a public office holder, is subject to public scrutiny and criticism like any other?” the statement read.
Deo pointed out that the Prime Minister had previously stated the Sedition Act should not be used against those criticising him or the government. She also noted that the current administration had pledged under the MADANI framework to review, if not repeal, the law.
In 2024, the government told Parliament that any amendments to the Sedition Act were aimed at addressing violations involving the 3R elements — race, royalty and religion. In January 2026, the Home Minister publicly declared the Act would only be invoked in cases involving insults to the royal institution or threats to national sovereignty.
“Yet, this case purportedly relates to alleged insults against the Prime Minister, a public office holder, and does not fall within any of those stated parameters. This inconsistency is striking,” Deo said.
She further highlighted that the 2015 amendments to the Sedition Act — which removed references to bringing hatred or disaffection against “any Government” and repealed a clause on the administration of justice — were gazetted but have still not been brought into force nearly 11 years later.
“The refusal to bring these amendments into force, while at the same time invoking the Act in cases involving criticism of the Government or its leaders, clearly highlights the selective and inconsistent manner in which this law is being applied and must be explained,” the statement added.
Deo questioned whether the government’s earlier commitments to amend or repeal the law were ever genuine.
“In a democratic society, the right to express views, including those that are critical, unpopular or uncomfortable, must be protected. The use of criminal sanctions in response to such expression cannot be a tool to curb dissent or intimidate the public,” she emphasised.
The DAP WANITA leader reminded the government that repealing the Sedition Act was part of its MADANI reform agenda and a key commitment to uphold fundamental liberties.
She condemned Myla’s arrest and urged the government to provide an immediate public explanation. The statement noted there has been no official update on the case, although Myla was reportedly due to be released today.
Police have not officially confirmed the arrest, but viral reports and copies of the alleged TikTok video have circulated widely on social media
Other groups, including Bersatu Youth’s Armada, have also criticised the action as undemocratic and an attack on free speech
The case has sparked fresh debate over the continued use of the Sedition Act under the unity government that once campaigned against it.
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