Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail has said that criticism of government “is not an issue” as it is part of the democratic process.

Speaking at a law conference last week, he said that if the state is falsely accused, it can always resort to civil action to clear its name.

“In my view, criticism of the government is part of democracy and not an issue. If lies are put up, suits for defamation can be filed.”

Several individuals have been charged for sedition for allegedly criticising the government.

This includes Seputeh MP Teresa Kok who claimed trial against a sedition charge for producing a parody video which criticised government policies.

Speaking at the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (Ilkap), Abdul Gani, however, called for the courts to be serious in taking action against those acting in contempt of the judiciary.

He called for the enactment of a Contempt of Court, in the model of United Kingdom legislation, in order to separate the offence from the Sedition Act.

Issues pertaining to the special position of the bumiputra and the special position and privileges of the Malay Rulers, however, should still fall under the Sedition Act 1948 as it is under the Federal Constitution.

“I would like to make it clear that this is because these matters are embodied in the federal constitution.

"Therefore, they will have to be protected under the Sedition Act 1948 unless those provisions themselves are first amended.”

Abdul Gani also said that the proposed National Harmony Act was still under construction and there is still fear that the repeal of the Sedition Act would lead to social disorder.

“The government has stated that it is still in consultations with all stakeholders on the construct of the new legislation, be it a new law or amendments to the existing law.”

“Those that fear its repeal will lead to social disorder, anarchy or compromise of the special position of the Malay Rulers, which in turn would jeopardize the Malay Rulers ability to uphold Islam and safeguard Malay or bumiputera rights, now argue for its retention,” Abdul Gani added.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on July 11 2012 to said the government will repeal the Sedition Act and replace it with a National Harmony Act.

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