Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the Sedition Act 1948 should not be repealed to appease the opposition.

NONE The long-time former premier said should the government decide to amend or repeal the Act and have a new one, it should conduct a study first.

He said the government should ask for the public's opinion, as well as expert advice, and observe countries which do not have similar laws.

"Based on the opposition, Malaysia should not have any laws. Hence, laws cannot be formulated because of pressure from them.

"At the same time, they (the opposition) ask for the rule of law. When there is no law, where can there be rule of law?," he queried.

'More incitement now'

azlan Mahathir was quizzed by reporters if he agreed that the government should repeal the Sedition Act or replace it with a new law.

“That's just (current) prime minister (Najib's) suggestion. I think if we are to repeal any laws until they are rendered useless, then it's best we don't have any laws,” he said.

He believed there was far more incitement after the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) was abolished June 22 last year and it allegedly gave rise to people abusing their freedom to insults other religions.

"There is far more sedition after the ISA was abolished. Last time, nobody would insult other people's religions, but now, it's exists," he told a press conference after attending a function at the Naza showroom in Petaling Jaya.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, had announced the government's intention to repeal the Sedition Act, and replace it with the National Harmony Bill.

However, present Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is said to oppose the move while Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam said the move to repeal the Sedition Act was only a suggestion by Najib.

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