‘Without Sedition Act, anarchy could reign’

THE decision to retain the Sedition Act should be applauded by all, says former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

“The decision is right as it protects all citizens from racial disharmony, safeguards the royal institution and the social contract,” he told the New Straits Times yesterday.

He said matters agreed upon by all races had to be protected as “this was crucial to prevent security breaches and public disorder”.

Parti Cinta Malaysia vice-president Datuk Huan Cheng Guan said anarchy could reign in the country if the Sedition Act was repealed.

Describing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s announcement that the act would be retained and strengthened as timely and laudable, he said the legislation was the last line of defence for the government to ban any act, speech or publication that jeopardises harmony or the royal institution.

He said the act would serve to deter people from inciting hateful behaviour between different races and religions, or question the special position of the ethnic Malay majority as well as cement Sabah and Sarawak position as Malaysian states.

“To remove this act would be akin to giving citizens the free reign to inflict damage and cause disunity,” he said yesterday.

Huan said since the last two general elections, the opposition had been preaching a gospel of hatred, which had corroded public opinion and created hostility towards the ruling government.

“These reasons, and the many unfortunate events that occurred in the last two years, must have spurred the prime minister to bolster the Sedition Act, even adding a special clause to protect the sanctity of Islam and protecting other religions from being insulted.”

Huan said a second clause would also make it illegal to call for the secession of Sabah and Sarawak.

Huan said he disagreed with DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang’’s accusation that Najib had buckled under pressure to make a U-turn on the act.

“It took true grit for our prime minister to go against public opinion before the Umno General Assembly. Making such a stand showed he was taking the bull by the horns when dealing with subversive elements, which have been invoking anti-establishment sentiments to the highest degree.

“It is not a question of bypassing the cabinet, as alleged by some. Rather, it is getting the support of Umno members so that he will have the mandate to bring it up in Parliament.

“The motive is sincere as the prime minister stated clearly that enforcement of the act would be fair to ensure a more stable, peaceful and harmonious nation for all.”

NST