Sedition Act: Ensure no violation of human rights, says Suaram

The government must ensure that the fundamental rights of the people are safeguarded if they are set on retaining and strengthening the Sedition Act, a human rights NGO said.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) has expressed fear that the Act would be used to silence government's critics.

“There have been double standards in prosecuting those under the Sedition Act where the government had previously acted only against the opposition, student activists and lawyers who have been critical of it.

"For example, extremists who threatened to burn the Bible are left roaming around harmless. There’s double standard and selective persecution under the implementation of Sedition Act," Suaram executive director Yap Swee Seng told Astro AWANI when contacted today.

Yap, who is also the Gerakan Hapuskan Akta Hasutan (GHAH) spokesman, said GHAH will continue to advocate for the abolishment of the Sedition Act and fight for the rakyat’s freedom of expression.

In their statement released today, GHAH labeled the legislation as draconian and antiquated, saying the Act suppresses democratic norms and legitimate dissent.

“The Prime Minister repeatedly promised to abolish the Sedition Act; he must be held accountable for his promises made to Malaysians,” the statement said.

The statement said the Act has been rampantly abused to charge politicians, activists and dissidents.

GHAH said there is no room for the Sedition Act in a democratic and modern Malaysia, and calls on the Prime Minister to respect democratic norms, the rule of law and to be accountable to the Malaysian people for promises made to abolish the Act.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced that the Sedition Act not only will be maintained but strengthened with the inclusion of two special provisions.

One is to preserve the sanctity of Islam as well as other religions, while the other is so that action can be taken against those who call for the secession of Sabah and Sarawak.

Najib made the announcement during his speech at the 68th UMNO General Assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre.