Just when you thought that things were going to get boring and mundane, the government charges with a trumped accusation of sedition against arguably Malaysia's most famous blogger. I have read his article and frankly i don't see how anyone can be inclined to an insurrection against the government on reading it. It details his opinions on an on-going criminal case but to label that seditions is tantamount to calling Najib honest.
To be fair,Raja Petra did make some slanderous accusations against Najib and wife and it would have made perfect sense if he was charged with libel. But sedition? Come on! This smacks of political victimization. Of course Petra is a canny one indeed and he had several strategies to deal with political persecution if it ever came to that. Petra has refused bail and is willing to languish in jail for a few months. He is demonstrating to his enemies that he is willing to go any lengths to defend his right as a citizen to make fair comments about the political scenarion in the country.
Taking a leaf out of Gandhi and Mandela, Petra is martyrizing himself. Malaysia has once again put itself in a spotlight for it's misuse of the law and it's constant aim to inhibit the role of bloggers who make comments which are hit too close to the truth. Petra is now a hero for the masses. Unlike the Hindraf 5, Petra is in a unique position. He is Malay. He is a Muslim. He is Royalty.
I bet my left eye that the government didn't forsee this turn of events. From now until October, experts will peruse Petra's article and argue the merits of the government's case. Linguists will analyze line by line looking for seditious implications. In short, the article will be dissected in every single conceivable manner. His hearing on October will be keenly followed by legal experts the world over.
I for one can't wait for this to unravel further. As they say... the plot thickens!!
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