You can criticise the PM but not the monarchy, says Anwar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has defended his administration’s human rights record amid criticisms from watchdog groups.

(NST) – Speaking in an interview with US-based broadcaster Mehdi Hasan on news website Zeteo on Friday, Anwar responded to claims that his government has employed repressive laws, such as the Sedition Act, to suppress dissent and peaceful protests.

Mehdi quoted a human rights group stating that the government had doubled the number of investigations under the Sedition Act last year, an act that Anwar said he would get rid of.

Anwar in response, said the Sedition Act was primarily used to protect Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy, particularly the sultans, who are not involved in politics.

“Yes, the Sedition Act involves the sultans and the rulers in this country. The Constitution provides that protection.

“They are not in politics. You can criticise the prime minister – they have called me all sorts of names, from the antichrist to a Jewish agent – and these individuals have not been charged or investigated.

“But, we have limits and they know the constitution, they know the law, and they know the limits,” he said.

On March, a human rights advocate group called for the Sedition Act to be repealed, claiming it infringed on international standards of freedom of expression.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) executive director Sevan Doraisamy said the Act lacked clear definitions and imposed disproportionate penalties, making it susceptible to abuse by authorities to stifle dissent.

Meanwhile, in the same interview, Anwar reaffirmed his vision for Malaysia as a model for multicultural and multiracial coexistence.

He expressed hope that the country’s Muslim-majority population and constitutional emphasis on Islam would inspire other nations.

“In a world filled with contradictions, racism, and religious fanaticism, Malaysia must be able to showcase that a multiracial, multi-religious country can thrive through good governance and tolerance.”