'Without people support, no law can save Umno'
As Umno celebrates its president’s decision to retain the Sedition Act, the party’s former chief has issued an ominous warning.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said if the people withdrew their support, then "no law on earth can save Umno from losing power."
As Umno celebrates its president’s decision to retain the Sedition Act, the party’s former chief has issued an ominous warning.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said if the people withdrew their support, then "no law on earth can save Umno from losing power."
“I wish to remind Umno members that the Sedition Act is not a tool to be used to preserve Umno’s power.
“Umno’s strength and power come from people’s support,” he added in a blog posting.
Abdullah was commenting on his successor Najib Abdul Razak’s announcement at the Umno general assembly this morning that the Sedition Act would be retained.
The former premier agreed with this.
“I support the retention of the Sedition Act or enactment of any law which can safeguard harmony, uphold the federal constitution, to ensure that the social contract is adhered to and that the Federation of Malaysia is not destroyed by irresponsible quarters,” he said.
Despite promising to repeal the Sedition Act in the past, Najib not only decided to maintain it but also vowed to strengthen the legislation to protect the sanctity of all faiths and deal with the secession calls coming from East Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Abdullah said he was “attracted” to Najib’s policy speech at the Umno meet, which emphasised on the importance of solidarity.
“He was also sensitive to the concerns and aspirations of the Malay community and Umno members.
“This was revealed when his announcement to maintain the Sedition Act was met with thunderous applause from within and outside the hall,” he added.
Detractors, on the other hand, have criticised Najib for bowing to pressure from within Umno, extremists groups and the influential former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
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