The government has called in United States ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Yun to explain remarks he made in an interview with Malaysiakini .

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said the remarks against Malaysia’s decision to retain the Sedition Act are "unwarranted and disappointing".

Yun (right) said the decision to retain the Act, used against opposition politicians, activists and a journalist in the past months, raises human rights concerns.

"The Sedition Act 1948 does not hinder a vibrant democracy. The Act is a preventive measure to ensure that no parties would incite religious and racial tension that could jeopardize peace and stability in the country," Anifah said in a statement late today.

He said Malaysia also wants the US to stay out of Malaysia’s internal affairs and let Malaysia take measure ensure stability within its borders.

The foreign minister added that it is the government’s prerogative to retain the Sedition Act and any comments by foreign parties will be deemed as interference.

PM's U-turn

In an interview with the portal, the US ambassador said the government must have a good reason to make such a volte face on the Act, which has direct impact on basic freedoms.

"This is something really an internal affair in this country. And I mean, clearly for the government to have this change of position on an issue that is important to basic freedom, freedom of speech and dealing with the very plural society of Malaysia, there must be a good reason," Yun said.

He said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s U-turn on his promise to repeal the Sedition Act at the recent Umno annual general meeting is of concern to the US because Sedition Act, if wielded "too far", would infringe on human rights.

Najib had in 2012 promised to repeal the Act.

THE YUN INTERVIEW

Najib's U-turn puzzles US, says envoy

Part 1: US envoy: No country an island, not even M'sia

Part 2: 'Prosecution must be free from political influences'