KUALA LUMPUR: A human rights group has urged the government to repeal the Sedition Act, saying the colonial-era law cannot be salvaged.

Lawyers for Liberty director Zaid Malek said they were against the government's plans to amend the Sedition Act to curtail provocations on "3R" issues, referring to race, religion, and royalty.

"The Sedition Act is an antiquated and draconian colonial legislation that has long threatened personal and political freedom in this country," he said in a statement.

"It blatantly breaches the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution."

Zaid said the Sedition Act has been used against political opposition, activists, and critics of the government of the day and this was possible because it is vague.

"It could make any comment, even legitimate expressions of dissent against the government, as 'sedition'," he said, adding the Sedition Act has no place in a modern democracy.
Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the government has agreed to begin the process of amending a number of laws, including the Sedition Act.

Zaid said most commonwealth countries have already repealed the act.

"Many facets of government administration have some manner of royal involvement, such as amendments to certain articles of the Federal Constitution or certain appointments.

"The involvement of the Rulers in any decision, no matter how slight, could result in any comments or criticism of government action to be considered 'seditious'."

Zaid said the same applied to issues relating to race and religion which play a large role in Malaysia's political discourse.

He said this was why the Sedition Act cannot be salvaged and that the Pakatan Harapan-led government must repeal the law.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1030599/sedition-act-cannot-be-salvaged-must-be-repealed-govt-told