Sedition Act should not suppress young minds like Adam Adli - Nur Jazlan

Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said he did not agree if the Sedition Act 1948 is used to suppress potential young leaders like student activist Adam Adli.

However, the Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmaker said he would agree if the Act is used to regulate the people’s behaviour especially in a country like Malaysia with its multi-racial society.

“If the Sedition Act is used to stifle young minds like Adam Adli, I would object,” said Nur Jazlan during a forum on ‘Freedom of Expression’ on Thursday.

He compared Adam to the likes of Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and activist Hishamuddin Rais, who were very vocal during their university years and had become influential leaders today.

He also praised Adam for being ‘brave’ in voicing out his opinions.

“He might become a future leader for the country, even I am not as brave as him,” said the BN backbencher.

Nevertheless, he applauded the Act, saying that it had been around for more than 60 years and managed to contain threats to the country internally.

“The act has been used for so many years. For me, the Sedition Act has done very well so far,” he said.

During the 68th UMNO general assembly last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced that the Sedition Act 1948 will be maintained and strengthened.

In his keynote speech, Najib said that the decision was taken after consulting various parties and stressed that the Act is necessary to protect the sanctity of all religions.

He added the Act will also be used against those who called for the secession of Sabah and Sarawak from Malaysia.