Though the Internal Security Act has been laid to rest, Perkasa wants its spirit to live on in the Sedition Act.

In view of this, the movement's president Ibrahim Ali said that detention without trial should be included to fortify the Sedition Act as announced by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak this morning.

He said this would provide security forces with an efficient tool to protect the nation.

Apart from strengthening the Sedition Act to safeguard Islam and other faiths, Perkasa also suggested stiffer punishment.

This, Ibrahim said, included two strokes of the rotan and a prison sentence of not less than five years.

"This is to follow the punishment meted out in Thailand for those who commit lese majeste (insulting the rulers)," he added.

Ibrahim had earlier expressed gratitude to Najib over his announcement that the Act will be retained and strengthened.

He, however, said that the issue should not have arisen in the first place.

On a different matter, Ibrahim also welcomed the move to strengthen the bumiputera’s economy.

“However, whatever that has been announced is not sufficient as many economic policies that have been liberalised give an impact to the bumiputera’s economy.

He also urged for a participation unit for bumiputera to be created in all ministries, agencies, banks and government-linked companies, just like the one made during former prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein’s administration.

“What’s the use of being developed if the bumiputera are sidelined and have to beg in their own country?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Ikatan Muslim Malaysia (Isma) president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman has expressed gratitude over the prime minister's announcement that the Sedition Act will be retained.

He also thanked Najib for listening to voices from the Malay community who want the Act to be maintained.

"I am thankful that the demands voiced by Muslim and Malay non-governmental organisations were taken into account," he told Malaysiakini today.

Abdullah also said Najib's statement will ease tension between communities triggered by "those who challenge the position of Islam and royal institution, as well as those who insult the Malays."

"It is an important announcement and I hope that it will ease tension between communities," he added.

Abdullah also hoped that Najib's announcement will "educate extreme quarters" to respect the federal constitution.

He also believes that the prime minister's announcement will allay the fear of those who love the country, "especially the bumiputera, over threats to peace and harmony".

Related stories

PM makes U-turn, Sedition Act to stay and be fortified

Minister blames M'sians for Sedition Act reversal

Ambiga: Lead by example, charge Umno reps

'Disappointed' Anwar raps Najib's about-turn

PKR: Nothing in Sedition Act protects Malays

Bouquets, brickbats for Najib over flip-flop

'Without people support, no law can save Umno'

Gerakan 'perturbed' by volte-face on Sedition Act

Don’t expect delegates to heed Pak Lah’s advice

Oxford education wasted on Khairy

Same old, same old from Umno after 57 years

Umno lays siege on closed Malay minds

Right on cue, non-Malay bashing in Umno meet