UMNO today questioned DAP for its silence following Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s remarks that he wanted to retain the Official Secrets Act 1972.

Umno information chief Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said DAP was running counter to its previous stand against the act, which it had said stifled freedom of the press and right to free expression.

“My concern is that their leaders, such as Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng, appear to be dozing off since joining the government, nodding their head to anything the prime minister says because the dreams of attaining power have been achieved.

“We are curious about DAP’s behaviour as this was part of its promises before the general election.

“Even more embarrassing, Kit Siang, who used to criticise the previous government like an angry lion, is now like a toothless lion, silent and limp,” he said in a statement.

Kit Siang, who is also Iskandar Puteri MP, had previously said DAP was committed to the struggle for freedom and urged for the OSA to be abolished.

The prime minister, in a recent interview, said although the law was imperfect, OSA was “still needed” but assured that the government would not abuse it. 

Dr Mahathir reportedly said his government would not abolish the OSA as it would hinder the federal government’s work at the cabinet level.

He said the act was necessary to prevent ministers from speaking publicly about confidential government discussions.

The Najib Razak administration had used the OSA to cover up a 1Malaysia Development Bhd investigation report.

Shamsul Anuar also said that Dr Mahathir’s continued use of the OSA was meant to control cabinet members.

“This means that no one, including the people, can be a whistle-blower of any government misconduct.

“Hence, many matters are closed to scrutiny, including matters related to the report presented by the Council of Eminent Persons after 100 days of PH rule,” said the Lenggong MP. – August 30, 2018.