Malaysia to repeal sedition law
13 July 2012 2:00 AM GMT
Malaysia will repeal a draconian colonial-era law curbing free speech as part of the country’s political transformation plan, Prime Minister Najib Razak has said ahead of general elections.
Razak said the decision to replace the Sedition Act 1948 was made to find a mechanism to determine the best balance between ensuring every citizen’s freedom of expression, and the need to handle the complex nature of the country’s multiracial and multi-religious society.
He said the act represented a ‘bygone era’, and would be replaced by a ‘National Harmony Act’ as part of a drive to allow greater freedoms in the country. ‘With this new Act, we would be better equipped to manage our national fault lines. It will also help to strengthen national cohesion by protecting national unity and nurturing religious harmony,’ Najib said.
‘The fact is that the vibrant efforts to colour Malaysia’s political canvas has just begun,’ said Najib, adding that many other changes were being prepared in efforts to shape a politically mature society in the country. Malaysian authorities had justified the use of the legislation as vital to curbing comments or actions that could stoke racial conflict in the multicultural nation. There has been mounting pressure on Najib by rights groups and the opposition to remove laws which is long-known for authoritarian rule.
Razak said the decision to replace the Sedition Act 1948 was made to find a mechanism to determine the best balance between ensuring every citizen’s freedom of expression, and the need to handle the complex nature of the country’s multiracial and multi-religious society.
He said the act represented a ‘bygone era’, and would be replaced by a ‘National Harmony Act’ as part of a drive to allow greater freedoms in the country. ‘With this new Act, we would be better equipped to manage our national fault lines. It will also help to strengthen national cohesion by protecting national unity and nurturing religious harmony,’ Najib said.
‘The fact is that the vibrant efforts to colour Malaysia’s political canvas has just begun,’ said Najib, adding that many other changes were being prepared in efforts to shape a politically mature society in the country. Malaysian authorities had justified the use of the legislation as vital to curbing comments or actions that could stoke racial conflict in the multicultural nation. There has been mounting pressure on Najib by rights groups and the opposition to remove laws which is long-known for authoritarian rule.
Next Story
