It is against the ‘letter and spirit’ of the federal constitution to urge the repeal of the Sedition Act 1948, claimed a group of 20 individuals in a statement today.

The group said the law is sanctioned by the constitution through Article 63(4), which limits the extent of parliamentary privilege and allows lawmakers to be prosecuted under the Sedition Act for statements made in parliament.

In addition, they claimed that repealing the Sedition Act would require the consent of the Conference of Rulers, since Article 159 of the constitution requires this for amendments to Article 63(4).

“… [T]he urging to repeal the Sedition Act 1948 and attempts to put extraneous pressure on the government of Malaysia to repeal the said act, is an affront to the letter and spirit of the Federal Constitution despite claims to the contrary,” the group said.

Among those who signed the statement include former inspector-general of police Mohammed Hanif Omar ( left ), Malay Consultative Council integrity bureau chairperson Mohd Zaman Khan, former Biro Tatanegara (BTN) director-general Shagul Hamid KR Williams @ Abdullah, former Kulim-Bandar Baru MP Zulkifli Noordin, several lawyers, a receptionist, a salesman, and a homemaker.

They opposed the Malaysian Bar emergency general meeting last month and its protest yesterday against the Sedition Act, arguing that it is a good law for protecting the provisions of the constitution and for preserving peace and order.

It also urged the government to resist any urgings to repeal the Sedition Act and continue to enforce it, as well as disavowing its previous pledges to abolish the law.

“...The Sedition Act 1948, together with other laws such as the now repealed Internal Security Act 1960, Banishment Act 1959, Restricted Residence Act 1933 and Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 have contributed to the maintenance of peaceful relations between different classes of Malaysian society...

‘A colossal mistake’

“The repeal thereof, like the repeal of the other laws stated herein, would be a colossal mistake, unhelpful, a setback for continued peaceful coexistence between such classes of communities and would surely lead to anarchy,” it said.

While the Penal Code does penalise people who cause disharmony, the group argued that it is an insufficient to contain any breaches of peace because it is not preventive in nature.

Yesterday, the Malaysian Bar held a protest against the Sedition Act at the parliament, and submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

It urged Najib not to bow to extremists and press on with his political transformation programs, including his promise to repeal the Sedition Act.

“It is folly to think and believe that the Sedition Act 1948 or laws similar to it are the answers to promote, inculcate and maintain true lasting harmony and unity.

“How wrong and misconceived can we be to believe that force and punishment would engender respect and goodwill. It instead impedes learning, discourse, growth and maturity,” it said.

Related stories

Nancy: I never support religious, racist rants

Gerakan Youth chief pans march, deputy lauds it

Cops given photos, video of Sedition Act rally ruckus

Does cabinet support AG's 'defending Islam' excuse?

US expresses concern over Malaysia's sedition law

Religious, ethnic hatred top concern of M'sians

Handling racists and such without the Sedition Act

Most Malaysians fed-up with the religious cards

Global MP union spotlights sedition dragnet

Why waste money on a law minister?

Kudos to Bar Council, keep the momentum going