The Questionable Estate

News Editors Expresses Support for Sedition Act, Finally Has Relevance In Office

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 14 - Proponents of the Sedition Act, now may have a new ally to work with. The Association of Media Editors (AME) have expressed their support for the new act as they have been able to retain their jobs despite the turbulent economy. According to a recent press conference in Bangsar, the editors claimed that while most companies have resorted to firing staff such as cleaners, writers and interns that barely make money. AME President, Mr John Woo stated that "It was as if I finally had some sort of relevance in office ever since the government started detaining people under act. Reminded me of good times, like Ops Lalang back then."

Mr Woo was referencing an operation where activists and opposition members were detained under the act for being seditious in their remarks. "Now, when somebody is about to post something or try to forward it into my office, I am able to read through and approve the news.. because, you know, my Bosses want the papers to be in business."

During the ceremony, several prominent editors shared their experience in the industry. An editor of the MalayMailOnline expressed "I was once forwarded an article titled Malays Underrepresented Under Certain Economic Key-Fields in New UM Study. My boss thought it was too seditious so we had to change it to Non-Malays Continues Ruthless Dominance in Economy. We thought it was much more fitting in order to fit the demands of the Malaysian readers." Another editor who wanted to be anonymous stated "Last time, people keep complaining that I only goyang kaki and go to the Mak Cik downstairs to buy curry puff. Now they can see me doing my job in office, reading all the stupid stuff they send me. So they can't call me lazy-lorr."

So far, several key opposition members and activists have been charged under the act such as the late Karpal Singh and a UM Law Lecturer. It was also implied by the IGP recently that inquiring about the arrests under the Sedition Act, will be seditious too. Depends on the mood those in power.

Image Courtesy of Malaysiakini