National Harmony Act does not affect govt’s power to maintain solidarity

(FZ.COM) –  The National Harmony Act, which is being drawn up to replace the Sedition Act 1948, will not affect the power of the government in handling actions that jeopardise national solidarity and harmony, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The Prime Minister said although the government wanted to guarantee the freedom of speech for all Malaysians, this freedom should not be abused to endanger national solidarity and harmony.
 
“The insolent and impudent act by the young couple who insulted the Islamic religion (recently) demonstrated the freedom of expression, and any irresponsible opinion can bring jeopardy to the community,” he said at a media conference at the special meeting room of his office, here today.
 
A blogging couple, Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, had previously been widely criticised for ridiculing the Muslims and the Ramadan month by uploading a photograph showing them enjoying the ‘bak kut teh’ (a pork dish) with a caption that offended the sensitivity of Muslims in the social website, Facebook.
 
The Prime Minister said the government would ensure that the provisions in the new act would maintain the three major principles in tackling activities that would lead to the feeling of hatred and insult to the institutions and existing provisions in the constitution.
 
He said the first principle referred to matters on tackling actions and activities that would lead to the feeling of hatred or insults or disloyal acts against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or any other Ruler.
 
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