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Malaysia’s Sedition Act stays, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR — The Sedition Act will remain, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak announced today (Nov 27), going back on his promise two years ago to repeal the colonial-era law enacted to fight the communist threat.

Reuters file photo

Reuters file photo

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KUALA LUMPUR — The Sedition Act will remain, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak announced today (Nov 27), going back on his promise two years ago to repeal the colonial-era law enacted to fight the communist threat.

But changes will be made to the act, said Mr Najib, who is also UMNO president.

“This act will not only be maintained, but strengthened. At least two items: there will be a special clause to protect the sanctity of Islam, while other religions also cannot be insulted.

“Secondly, we will insert a clause so that action is taken against anyone who calls for the cessation of Sabah and Sarawak,” said Mr Najib today in his policy speech at the Umno general assembly.

Mr Najib said he decided this after considering feedback from UMNO deputy president Muhyiddin Yassin, Wanita UMNO, Pemuda UMNO, Puteri UMNO, the grassroots, as well as non-governmental organisations.

“Hence I, as the prime minister, decided that the Sedition Act 1948 will remain,” he said, amid roars of approval from the delegates gathered at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

He said this was UMNO’s wish, adding that he believed their friends in Barisan Nasional (BN) would be with them.

“Enforcement must be fair so that we can truly create a Malaysian country that is more peaceful, stable and harmonious.”

But, Mr Najib said he personally would not allow the Malay race to be damned and insulted in its own land.

“I will continue to fight for the fate of the Malays and the Bumiputera.” THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER

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