The Sedition Act 1948 is still required to curb threats and actions of extremists who do not want to see multiracial and multireligious Malaysians united.

   

Malaysia Senators Council president, Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman said because of this, other countries especially the United States should not interfere in Malaysia's affairs including questioning the government's decision to retain the Sedition Act.

   

"We hope other countries, particularly the US, would not meddle in how we control the situation in our country which has certain Acts to ensure public order and national security," he said at a news conference at the Parliament

lobby yesterday.

Abdul Rahim was referring to US Vice President Joe Biden's reported concern recently over the Sedition Act being retained in Malaysia to stifle the opposition.

   

On Nov 27, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak had at the Umno General Assembly, said that taking into consideration the views of the people, the Sedition Act would be retained but to be amended to strengthen it.

Abdul Rahim said Biden should solve his country's internal issues like individuals being detained at the Guantanamo prison without trial and white policemen's brutality against the blacks before telling the Malaysian government how to run this country.

   

He said Malaysian leaders knew better the best approach for the people and

in administering this multiracial and multi religious country.

- Bernama