Shah Alam MP calls for review of Sedition Act

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sedition Act 1948 should be reviewed, Parliament was told.

“The Sedition Act that is currently in place appears to have failed to curb the sentiment of hatred in our country,” said Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam).

“That is why under the Madani government, I would like to suggest that this Act be reviewed and reforms made to curb racial and hate sentiments, more so on those who questioned the royal institution,” he said while debating the Suhakam Annual Report 2020 today (June 12).

He was responding to a question by RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) on why no action was taken on a former prime minister who criticised the royal institution. Rayer did not name the said leader.

He also questioned why the Opposition MPs who were present at the press conference where the remarks were allegedly made had kept quiet.

Azli also said it appears as if Suhakam has given up on the Sedition Act and has proposed reforms.

The Act was among the draconian set of laws that the Pakatan had pledged to repeal when it was voted to power in the 14th General Election.

In March, Deputy Law and Institutional Reforms Minister Ramkarpal Singh said the government had no plans to abolish the Act at this juncture.