AG: Law reforms still in progress

Several controversial legislation-- including the Sedition Act, Official Secrets Act and Printing Presses and Publications Act-- are still being reviewed by the government.

The Attorney-General’s (A-G) Chambers is still reviewing these laws and is in the process of possibly drafting replacement laws, according to the A-G Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

“[Aside from replacement laws for the ISA], there are still a lot more. Four or five of them,” said Abdul Gani.

He said that work on these laws have been put on hold as Parliament is not in session.

“Sedition Act... PPPA,OSA, for that matter, we have to relook at them.

“We are not talking about throwing these laws away [but] we have to review them. After that, we need to look at regulations, the process is ongoing,” he said, adding that these reforms would be looked at after the 13th general election.

Asked what sort of changes is expected, Abdul Gani said that it would be based on the research work and consultation with various stakeholders.

"If it is necessary to do just an amendment then we'll do it; if it is better to repeal, we'll repeal it; if we need a replacement law, then we'll draft one."

On the eve of Malaysia Day (Sept 15) 2011 Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak announced a slew of law reforms to transform Malaysia into a more open and democratic country.

Najib annulled the three Emergency proclamations and repealed the three controversial laws – the Internal Security Act, Banishment Act, and Restricted Residence Act.

ISA is now replaced with the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma). The Printing Presses and Publications Act was amended, and publishers no longer need to renew licenses. The Peaceful Assembly Act was also introduced.

Najib also later said that the Sedition Act will be repealed, promising the rakyat a better right to freedom of speech and expression. It is said that it will be replaced with National Harmony Act.