KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 ― The courts need to define the scope of Section 124 of the Penal Code on threats to parliamentary democracy, a DAP lawyer said today, pointing out that the ambiguity of the clause would otherwise be open to abuse.

Gobind Singh Deo, who is also Puchong MP, said this after a High Court here agreed to shorten the remand orders of two activists currently being investigated under the law.

“Section 124 is very wide in its definition and this speaks of activities directly or indirectly threatening parliamentary democracy, it can be used largely and even abused,” the lawmaker told reporters outside the courtroom here.

“Until the courts define the limits, this is something we have to deal with,” Gobind added.

He cited as example the arrests of three organisers of last week’s #TangkapNajib rally under the law, two who were nabbed after holding a press conference on the event.

The two ― Adam Adli Abdul Halim and Ahmad Syukri Rezab ― had their remand orders shortened today from six days to four days, allowing them to go free this afternoon.

Another activist, Mandeep Singh, was also released this afternoon. He was arrested on the same day as the other two youths but was remanded until today.

Section 124 of the Penal Code deals with the offence of undermining parliamentary democracy. Those charged under the law will face 20 years in prison upon conviction.

Several activists and opposition lawmakers have also been charged under the law in the past.