Nancy Shukri: ‘U-turn’ on Sedition Act due to 'excessive provocation'

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government made a “u-turn” on the decision to repeal the Sedition Act due to concerns over increasing acts of excessive provocation, said Nancy Shukri on Tuesday.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department said when there was a proposition to repeal the Act, various parties, including intellectuals and professionals, wanted the legislation to be retained to maintain harmony in the country.

"They are worried that provocations against the royal institution, religion, race, and language will become common especially via social media. 

"So they voiced their concerns because they are extremely worried that provocation will spark tensions when people insult their race or religion," she told reporters at Parliament's lobby. 

However, Nancy said she was relieved when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak decided to retain it with some amendments. 

The proposed Sedition (Amendment) Bill 2015 was tabled for first reading at the Dewan Rakyat by Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. 

According to the Bill, the decision to amend the Act is driven by current political developments, including making comments and spreading information, that may be detrimental to national harmony. 

The amendments contain additional measures and penalties to strengthen the Act to address threats to the nation's peace, order, and security. 

"I'm sure the government does not want to arbitrarily use the Act, but I think it should be 'retained' because if matters involving uncontrolled provocation arise, we have a something to refer to," she added. -- BERNAMA