Gov't ready to amend sedition act - Muhyiddin

The government is ready to amend the Sedition Act and other existing laws to enable firm action to be taken against any individuals, who use the social media to condemn religion or spread seditious statements, regardless of race and religion. Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the cabinet gave the assurance such action would be taken to ensure individuals or those involved did not get scout free. "If the existing laws are inadequate, we will amend and find ways so that the relevant authorities, Attorney-General Department or the police cannot give excuses for not taking action because there are legal provisions. "The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will be responsible for the multimedia issue while the department will look at the legal aspect of the Act and other acts, that need to be improved on." He was speaking at the Bera Umno division delegates meeting at Bera Rakan Muda Complex here today. Also present were Bera division Umno chief Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also Agriculture and Agro-based Minister and Pahang Umno Liasion Committee deputy chairman Datuk Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin. He said the onslaught of the social media was one of the great challenges that the government currently needed to face throughout the country. At the same time, he said the government was aware of the reaction from the people, who had the impression that the authorities were practicing selective charges in addressing several issues lately. "They say if it involves the Malays, the authorities will take swift action and if it involves the non Malays, slow action will be taken and this response has basis. "We will take note of this matter and if the existing laws are adequate, it should be enforced, regardless of race, and if the Malays are in the wrong, we will take action. Likewise for the other races, then it is fair," he said. He said at present the government had no plans to impose internet screening in the country. "However if there are statements being issued that contradict the laws by raising racial sentiments, hatred and defamation, we will take firm action in accordance to the existing legal provisions," he said.