Sedition Act stays, says Najib

Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the opening ceremony of the general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, today. Najib, who is also prime minister, made a U-turn on his promise to repeal the Sedition Act 1948, and said it was here to stay. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Afif Abd Halim, November 27, 2014.The Sedition Act will remain, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced today, going back on his promise two years ago to repeal the colonial-era law enacted to fight the communist threat.

But changes will be made to the act, said Najib, who is also Umno president.

"This act will not only be maintained, but strengthened. At least two items: there will be a special provision to protect the sanctity of Islam, while other religions also cannot be insulted.

"Secondly, we will insert a provision so that action is taken against anyone who calls for the secession of Sabah and Sarawak," said Najib today in his policy speech at the Umno general assembly.

Najib said he decided this after considering feedback from Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Wanita Umno, Pemuda Umno, Puteri Umno, the grassroots, as well as non-governmental organisations.

"Hence I, as the prime minister, decided that the Sedition Act 1948 will remain," he said, amid roars of approval from the delegates gathered at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

He said this was Umno's wish, adding that he believed their friends in Barisan Nasional (BN) would be with them.

"Enforcement must be fair so that we can truly create a Malaysian country that is more peaceful, stable and harmonious."

But, Najib said he personally would not allow the Malay race to be damned and insulted in its own land.

"I will continue to fight for the fate of the Malays and the Bumiputera."

Najib said in his commitment towards fighting for the rights of his own race, he and other BN leaders would convene at least once a month to discuss the strengthening of the Malay and Bumiputera economy.

"The BN government, and Umno, is one that fulfils its promises."

Najib first announced the plan to abolish the act in June 2012, to be replaced by a National Harmony Act. The Sedition Act was amended five times with the last one in 1975.

Of late, there have been growing calls among Pakatan Rakyat leaders, social activists and NGOs to repeal the Act given that many, apart from politicians, have been hauled up under this legislation.

But, Najib's plan to abolish the act faced objections from Umno leaders and right-wing Malay groups.

In his policy speech yesterday, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said Malaysia would be ruined without an act that punished people for committing sedition.

Similarly, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said in her winding-up speech yesterday that the act must stay to protect the security, stability and harmony of the country. – November 27, 2014.