Sedition Act repeal rollback wasn’t raised in Cabinet, says MIC deputy chief
(Malay Mail Online) – MIC deputy president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said today the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition partner had not been informed ahead of today’s surprise announcement that the controversial Sedition Act 1948 would be retained.
Dr Subramaniam, who is also health minister, told reporters in Parliament that the decision by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s to keep the colonial-era legislation criticised as a tool to crack down on dissent had not been raised in Cabinet discussions to date.
“Not yet, we will discuss it later. I don’t remember any discussion with the component parties,” he said.
Dr Subramaniam said he believed Najib, who is also Umno president, had decided against repealing the Act as pledged in 2012, following feedback and views.
“The prime minister also did say they will review on certain areas and strengthen areas which are needed, probably liberalise on things related to political dissent and thinking so that it is allowed on a healthy basis,” he added.
