(Petaling Jaya, Saturday): The Chief Justice should reconsider the applicaton for a nine-man bench to hear Lim Guan Eng�s appeal against conviction and sentence for offences under the Sedition Act and the Printing Presses and Publications Act at the Federal Court on August 24.
Forty non-government organisations, including ABIM, Aliran, Suaram, JUST, MTUC, TENAGANITA, AWAM, Perak Consumers� Association, COAC have expressed their disappointment and grave concern at the rejection of Guan Eng�s application for a nine-man bench at the Federal Court hearing on August 24, in view of the importance of the case and its far-reaching public policy implications.
Malaysians are convinced that Guan Eng is a victim of selective prosecution. On August 24, it is not only Guan Eng who will be on trial, the system of justice in Malaysia will also be on trial - not only in the eyes of Malaysians, but also in the eyes of the world.
The Chief Justice should reconsider Guan Eng�s application to allow a nine-man bench in the Federal Court appellate hearing of Guan Eng�s case on August 24.
(15/8/98)