National Harmony Bill should be adapted into Sedition Act

The essence of the National Harmony Bill should be adapted into the Sedition Act when it is amended.

This is the opinion of National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) member Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, who said the government should also consider incorporating the National Harmony Bill’s major recommendation, which will ensure that the Sedition Act is not abused or selectively applied.

“It is a pity that the Prime Minister had chosen to retain the Sedition Act. But if that is the decision of the government, then, they should ensure that the continuation and the amendment to the Sedition Act are consistent with good governance and Human Rights.

“NUCC endorsed and supported the National Harmony Bill because it ensures adherence to Human Rights,” he told Astro AWANI.

In defending NUCC against rising questions whether the body is relevant after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s announcement to retain the Sedition Act, Ramon said it is indeed relevant.

“NUCC is still relevant because recommendations from The National Harmony Bill, which has already been drafted and designed, could be adapted and incorporated in the Sedition Act amendment,” he said.

NUCC was established on Nov 25, 2013 and was tasked to establish a National Unity Blueprint and was tasked with, among others, to propose new legislation to replace the Sedition Act.

Najib, during the UMNO General Assembly last week, went back on his promise two years ago to repeal the colonial-era law, and announced instead, that the Sedition Act will be not only be maintained, but also strengthened