SOME 90 arrests were made under the Sedition Act between 2024 and 2025, says Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
The Deputy Home Minister said that of this number, 58 arrests were made last year, which was an increase from the 32 arrests in 2024.
A total of 193 investigation papers were opened with only 14 resulting charges during the same period, he added.
He said that 11 cases led to charges being filed in 2024, while only three charges were filed last year.
“The increasing number of arrests is a manifestation of the police taking firm action against the spread of 3R (race, religion and royalty) sensitivities.
Swift action is taken to halt narratives that can create racial tensions or insult the royal institution,” he said when responding to questions on the issue raised by Datuk Che Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) and Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna).
On the decreasing number of sedition charges, Shamsul Anuar said this reflected the cautious approach taken by the government with regard to the law and the careful scrutiny of each case by the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“Only cases with strong evidence are brought to court.
“The rest are let off with warnings and continuous monitoring.
“Freedom of speech is not a licence to spread slander or spew hate speech,” he added.
He said that the increase in the number of arrests did not indicate a rise in seditious sentiments but was due to various factors.
Among the main factors, he noted, was the use of social media, which could result in such content spreading quickly.
“The rakyat are also more aware of what is happening and are reporting such instances,” he said.
Shamsul Anuar also stressed that 3R matters are dealt with fairly and in a transparent manner by the police, without any bias or political interference.
“The police do not operate based on instructions from certain quarters. We do so in accordance with the law,” he said.
“Each individual or group suspected of committing an offence will be investigated based on existing laws and regulations.
“This is regardless of their background or political stature.”
He added that the police must be allowed to work without any interference.
