It is time for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to fulfill his promise of abolishing the Sedition Act, Gerakan Hapus Akta Hasutan (GHAH) said today. 

 

"We, who have gained our independence, who are free from colonialists, should be free from colonial law too," Amir Abd Hadi, a GHAH coordinator said outside the Home Affairs Ministry. 

 

GHAH is a coalition of 133 civil societies in Malaysia led by Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Lawyers for Liberty and Amnesty International Malaysia among many others. 

 

They were at the Home Affairs Ministry today to submit a memorandum asking for the abolishment of the Sedition Act. 

 

"The tendency for the government to use it and misuse it is very great," Adrian Lim, a representative of GHAH, said.

Najib ( photo ) had promised to repeal the Sedition Act in 2012, but the act is still in effect.

 

The Sedition Act has been described as a draconian law that is seen as often abused.

 

The memorandum also called for all charges under the Sedition Act to be dropped and the people arrested to be released.

 

Lastly, GHAH insisted that there should be no new draconian law passed to replace the Sedition Act.

 

"If they do want to have a milder replacement act, we should have a discussion or forum with the government and non-governmental organisations (NGO)," Amir said. 

 

He also said the Home Affairs Ministry has promised to inform them of any response regarding the memorandum within two weeks.

 

If this falls through, Amir said they will try again.

 

"Maybe next time we will go straight to (Home Affairs Minister) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and hand the memorandum to him in person," Amir said.