There is no need to worry about the Sedition Act repeal as there are plenty of other laws which can be used to act against those who “play with fire”, says Gerakan deputy youth chief Andy Yong.

He was responding to Universiti Utara Malaysia associate professor Ahmad Martadha Mohamed's call to preserve the Act, arguing that there will be no specific laws to bring the “extremists” to justice, if it is repealed.

Yong (left) said that among the legisations available are the Penal Code and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Act 1988.

"There are sufficient provisions (under these laws) to charge those making seditious or derogatory remarks that affect public order and national security.

“Evidently the Sedition Act 1948 is an outdated law and it shall be repealed,” Yong said in a statement today.

The problem with the present law, he added, is that a person can be prosecuted without needing to prove the accused’s intentions.

He said that this in turn violates the principle of the burden of proof.

There are now three bills drafted to replace the Sedition Act.

The bills, initiated by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) has been severely opposed by right-wing groups for allegedly undermining Islam.