PERIKATAN Nasional will not be abolishing the Sedition Act, said Home Minister Hamzah Zainuddin.

The act won’t be abolished especially now with an increase of fake news and misinformation being spread online.

“The ministry is of view the Sedition Act 1948 is still relevant, taking into account the structure of Malaysian society which consists of various religions and races,” he said.

Hamzah was responding in a written parliamentary reply to Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong-PH).

The Larut MP said there has been a spate of fake news cases recently which touched on sensitive topics.

“Recently, the spread of false information or seditious news is becoming more widespread so that it can create an atmosphere of unrest, especially when the news touches on sensitive issues among the public.”

Hamzah said based on statistics, there has been an increase in sedition cases involving royalty, race, religion and special rights which are enshrined in the federal constitution. 

There have been 300 case files opened from 2015 to July 2020 under the Sedition Act. There were 41 charges, 171 cases classified as no further action (NFA) and 34 cases pending. 

Recently, journalists from Al Jazeera were investigated for its controversial report on illegal immigrants.

The 20-minute documentary, Locked Up in Malaysia’s Lockdown, accused the government of discriminating against illegals amid the coronavirus crisis.

Opposition lawmakers and civil society have long called for the repeal of the Sedition Act which they classify as an archaic law. 

The previous Pakatan Harapan government pledged to repeal the law or replace it but was ousted from power in late February. – July 27, 2020.