Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today continued to defend the use of the Sedition Act 1948, a law which he promised to abolish in 2012, only to change his mind last year.

During his speech at the 208th Police Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur today, the premier said the authorities should not feel apolegetic for the continued use of the law.

"We should not be apologetic. Some may say that this is not democratic.

"But I want to say that there is no absolute freedom; there is no place for absolute freedom without responsibility in our country," he said.

Stressing that the Act was needed to ensure good inter-ethnic ties, Najib said the the law, coupled with the soon to be introduced Prevention of Terrorism Act, were important in preventing untoward incidents from happening.

The premier said prevention was better than cure and that preventive laws could help stem violent extremism.

"When violence occurs, many will die. That's why we must ensure that no violence occurs."

The jailing of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on February 10 has resulted in more than a dozen activists and opposition figures being investigated under the Sedition Act.

 

Emotional tension

Meanwhile, Najib added that incitement between the races made on social media would lead to high emotional tension among the rakyat.

 

"These are among the new threats, and the police should be versatile in their response."

He also cited other new threats, which he dubbed "violent extremism", through the likes of groups such as the Islamic State.

 

The premier also claimed that the government did not plan to use the new Prevention of Terrorism Act for political purposes.

 

"That's why we will not place the power to detain under the administration. Instead, we will place it under a credible body.

 

"This is to ensure those involved in extremist threats will be detained under the new Act to ensure the country remains safe," he said.

 

Concerns have been raised that the new bill to replace the Internal Security Act will be used for political purposes as it also provides for detention without trial.

 

Towards the end of his speech, Najib said the police should be respected.

"People should not insult the police as though it is a body which does anything it likes. We should instead be proud of them as they uphold the rule of law.

"It is because of the police that we live in peace without fear. Those who insult the police are irresponsible," said Najib, in rising tones.

 

The police have continuously been accused of being the government's lackeys, although the country's top cop, Khalid Abu Bakar, has denied this.