The statement by Deputy Home Minister Mohd Azis Jamman that the Sedition Act, 1948 will continue to be used until it is amended or abolished is regretted and reflects a lack of political will on the part of the government in carrying out one of its most important election promises, namely the repeal of such draconian laws.
Azis’s announcement misses the point that such laws ought not to be used on anyone, regardless of political affiliation as it ought to be a matter of time before they are repealed.
In fact, the Ministry of Home Affairs ought to make such an announcement forthwith so that government resources are not wasted on investigations into offences which are likely to become obsolete in the near future.
It is not difficult to repeal the Sedition Act as such a move will likely be supported in parliament the way the GST was abolished.
If the GST could have been abolished almost immediately after GE14, the same ought to apply to the Sedition Act as well.
Even Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged the authorities not to take action on those who criticise him as he is, rightly, of the view that politicians should be open to criticism.
It is an open secret that the Sedition Act was abused in the past to stifle political dissent and by its continued use, the present government may be seen to be no different from its predecessor in this regard.
It is hoped the announcement that the Sedition Act will be repealed comes sooner rather than later and Azis ought to be working towards this end instead of defending its continued use merely on the ground that it is still in force.