Sedition Act to stay for now - Nancy

The government has no immediate plans to repeal the Sedition Act 1948, despite calls by certain quarters.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri reiterated that the Act was essential in safeguarding security, harmony and unity in the country.

"The prime minister did suggest that the Sedition Act 1948 would be repealed but we will not do so until we have another law to replace it.

"The government needs time and a detailed study in drafting the National Harmony bill," she told reporters after officiating a legal literacy seminar organised by the Johor Women's Development Office here today.

Nancy said the government through the Attorney General's Chambers is collaborating with the National Unity and Integration Department to obtain input and feedback from the people, which would be used to formulate the new law.

Meanwhile in Kuala Lumpur, Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the government would study the views and suggestions submitted by certain quarters on the proposed bill that would replace the Sedition Act.

"They have the right to express their points but it is up to the government to decide whether to accept or not," he told reporters after officiating the Umno Ampang divisional delegates' meeting here today.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stressed today that the bill draft submitted by the Bar Council is not a government draft.