The continuous use of the Sedition Act against elected representatives could prevent them from debating issues openly, Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) said.

Acting chairman, Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee said the important thing was for the authorities to ascertain a commensurate sentence on elected representatives under the Parliament Standing Orders and the State Assembly Standing Orders.

"Suhakam is concerned that the continuous use of the Sedition Act, especially against parliamentary members and assemblymen could increase abuse of the law.

"Furthermore, it will restrict freedom of the elected representatives to debate issues openly and carry out their function more effectively," he said in a statement yesterday.

He was referring to the Attorney-General's decision to charge Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer under the Act.

Rayer courted controversy on May 20 when he uttered the words "UMNO celaka" (UMNO be damned) in the House during the state assembly, which the next day led to a protest by a group of UMNO Youth members outside the assembly building.

He was supposed to be charged in the Penang Sessions Court on Thursday but it was postponed.

Dr Khaw urged the Attorney-General to reconsider the decision and called on the government to abolish the law to uphold the people's freedom of expression.