KUALA LUMPUR: The controversial Sedition Act 1948 should be amended and not repealed, as it is still needed to preserve racial harmony in the country.
In saying this, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz (BN-Padang Rengas) – while acknowledging that there have been complaints that the Act has been misused by politicians – insisted this does not mean the Act should be abolished.
"Instead, we should make improvements to (the Act). Even if we are worried that the Sedition Act could be misused, don't, as the Malay proverb goes, 'marahkan nyamuk, kelambu di bakar' (throw out the baby with the bathwater).
"If the problem is a leader misusing the Act for his self-interest, that's the person who should be 'bakar' (burned), not the Act.
"Some say the Act is outdated. Yes, it is, because it was created in 1948. Now that we have moved into the year 2020, let's amend the Act so that it remains relevant in today's world," he said when debating the Supply (Reallocation of Appropriated Expenditure) bill 2020.
The Sedition Act has been heavily criticised over the years, with many quarters accusing it of being used as a political tool, and not for its intended purpose which is to maintain racial harmony in Malaysia's multiracial society.
Asked by Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) if the amendment should include the words "with intention," Nazri agreed with the suggestion.
"Yes you are right, there must be an element of intention to incite hatred. I totally agree and this should be discussed with the relevant (minister) so that the said element can be included," Nazri said.
Prior to the 14th general election, Pakatan Harapan pledged to repeal the colonial-era law in its manifesto, and on July 11, 2019, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that a draft of the new law was being finalised.
However, on July 27 this year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the Sedition Act is still relevant; and that the Act is especially important given the rise in fake news, as well as the many different racial and religious groups in the country.
Over the last two years, he said, there has been an increase in sedition cases involving the monarchy, race, religion and the special rights enshrined in Articles 152, 153 and 181 of the Federal Constitution.