KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will engage the relevant parties on any amendments to strengthen the Sedition Act 1948, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.
"That is for certain. When it involves something that is being done with the people's welfare in mind, it has been common practice for the government to engage all stakeholders.
"For example, there are those suggesting a repeal of the Sedition Act, saying it is an outdated and draconian law, so (we) must engage and convince them that this is not the case," Muhyiddin, who is Umno deputy president, told a press conference at Umno annual general assembly on Thursday.
He praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for being responsive to the voices calling for the Act to be retained, reiterating that the main objective was to ensure peace and harmony for Malaysians.
Najib, who is Umno president, told delegates at the general assembly that as the prime minister, he made the decision to retain the Act after consulting party leaders and grassroots members and non-governmental organisations.
Muhyiddin denied that the Act would be used to stifle political dissent.
"Besides introducing two new areas, we will review parts that may be vague, such as what is considered seditious.
"If someone says they wish to topple a democratically elected government, I would consider that seditious.
"But if they say they disagree with the government's economic policies for instance, that is acceptable and not seditious. If that aspect is vague, we will review it," he said.
Muhyiddin refused to say when the proposed amendments would be tabled in parliament, saying that it would be done "when ready" and after input from the people.
He added that any proposals to introduce additional laws such as the National Harmony Act would be thoroughly studied by the government.
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