Maklin Masiau, 48 and Lawrence Jomiji Kinsil @ Maximilhian, 64, want a declaration that Hadi had committed the offence under Section 3 of the Sedition Act 1948.

The two, who filed the action in the High Court here last week, also want a declaration that Hadi is unfit to hold any position in the government, including a position equivalent to a ministerial post.

On April 2, the Prime Minister’s Office announced the appointment of Hadi, who is Marang MP, as Malaysia’s special envoy to the Middle East.

This came about a month after the PAS strongman assured his party’s support to back Muhyiddin Yassin as prime minister following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government in February.

In the originating summons filed by Messrs R Kengadharan & Co, the duo said Hadi made a seditious statement in the Harakah daily on Jan 18, 2016 against Christians and/or Christian missionaries.

“It has been more than four years since the defendant (Hadi) issued the statement but no prosecution has been brought against him,” they said.

The cause papers were delivered to PAS headquarters here and the AG was served a copy yesterday since this is a public interest litigation brought to vindicate the rule of law.

They said the action was filed as no other person, including the public prosecutor (who is also the AG), had any intention of bringing any action against Hadi.

In their affidavit in support of the action, sighted by FMT, the two also said Hadi’s statement was also republished by FMT on the same day.

“We respectfully believe that the defendant has made an unfounded statement and cast aspersions on Christians and/or Christian missionaries.

“The defendant’s statement has affected the Christian community in the country and has thus become a matter of public interest,” they added.

The two said the seditious philosophy of Hadi was also reflected by an Aug 28, 2020 statement in the Dewan Rakyat made by Pasir Puteh MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh, who claimed that “the Bible was distorted”.