Bar calls for moratorium on use of the Sedition Act

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Bar urged the government to immediately impose a moratorium on the use of the Sedition Act pending its repeal. It also asked the police to cease all investigations pursuant to the Sedition Act.
The Bar is urging the government to prioritise its efforts to repeal this and all other draconian and oppressive legislation in the upcoming session of Parliament, its president George Varughese said today.
"The Malaysian Bar is heartened by the statement reportedly made by the Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Gobind Singh Deo, that the repeal of the Sedition Act 1948 should take place at the next sitting of Parliament," he said in a statement.
"The recent spate of investigations involving allegedly seditious acts has been disquieting, and calls into question the Pakatan Harapan government's commitment to 'Promise 27' of its election manifesto, namely to abolish laws that it has itself described as 'oppressive' and 'tyrannical' — with the Sedition Act being first on its list".
While not condoning rude, insulting or disrespectful behaviour, the Malaysian Bar calls upon the government to uphold the primacy of the right to freedom of speech and expression, in abidance to Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution, Varughese said.
"We welcome Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's statement on Oct 4 that the authorities must stop arresting people who insult him, as '(a) politician must accept criticism, being called names.
"We also welcome Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Mohd Azis bin Jamman's clarification that he does not agree with the use of the Sedition Act," he added.
Varughese said quick and decisive action would enhance public confidence in the government's commitment to pursuing transformation and greater civil liberties through legislative reforms.