Excessive Provocation Reason For Govt's U-Turn On Sedition Act - M' sian Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- Concerns of various parties against increasing acts of excessive provocation was one of the reasons why the government 'u-turned' on the decision to repeal the Sedition Act, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Nancy Shukri. Nancy said when the act was proposed to be repealed prior to this, she was approached by various parties, including intellectuals and professionals from various races who wanted the Act to be retained in order to maintain harmony in the country. "They are worried that provocations against the royal institution, religion, race and language will become common especially via social media. "So they voiced their concerns because they are extremely worried provocation will spark tensions when people insult their race or religion," she told reporters at Parliament's lobby today. However, Nancy said she did not have the powers to ensure the act is retained but was relieved when Prime Minister Najib Razak finally decided to retain it with the some amendments. The proposed Sedition (Amendment) Bill 2015 was tabled for first reading on Tuesday in the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) by Home Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. According to the bill, the decision to amend the Act is driven by current political developments, including hurling comments, spreading information and publications which are feared detrimental to national harmony. The amendment contains additional measures and penalties to strengthen the Act to address threats to the nation's peace, order and security. "I'm sure the government does not want to arbitrarily use the Act, but I think it should be 'retained' because if matters involving uncontrolled provocation arise, we have something to refer to," she said. -- BERNAMA