Speaking at an Umno delegates meeting in Jerlun, Perak, prime minister Najib has repeated his statement from two years ago that the Sedition Act will be repealed. - The Malaysian Insider pic by Najjua Zulkefli, September 5, 2014.Datuk Seri Najib Razak has reiterated that the Sedition Act would be abolished, to be replaced by the proposed National Harmony Act.
The Prime Minister said this today in his speech at the opening of the Jerlun Umno divisional delegates meeting in Kedah today, Bernama reported.
He added, however, that matters pertaining to religion and race would not be neglected, saying that the government would not allow freedom that did not adhere to the principles of accountability regarding Islam, other faiths, as well as the special privileges of the Malays and the Malay Rulers.
"We must defend... (we are) not saying there is a new legislation and the rest will be put aside...but we will add in more appropriate provisions," he said according to Bernama.
The prime minister also said that his administration will not impose any form of restriction in the use of social media that could be seen as curbing freedom of speech.
However, he said, with such freedom, users on social meddia must exercise accountability too, Bernama reported.
He added that the government practised an open attitude but it was the responsibility of the people, especially the young generation or "Gen Y" to understand that there was a limit to freedom.
"I want to issue a warning that the existing law will be imposed on anyone attempting to jeopardise peace. This is certainly in force," Bernama quoted Najib as saying.
He expressed the hope that the freedom and openness permitted would not result in cases of extremist actions taking place in the country.
"There must be a limit... (because of) this principle of accountability, we must look for a formula where we provide space for the freedom of speech, including comments on the leaders, but, at the same time, there must be a limit so as not to destroy peace and national harmony," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Also present at the function were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, who is also the Jerlun Umno division head, Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah and Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid. – September 5, 2014.
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