Foreign Minister Anifah Aman admitted today that Putrajaya's tightening of the Sedition Act 1948 has courted negative international attention.

However, he insisted such perception is perpetrated by foreigners.

"They describe the Malaysian government's action as restricting freedom of speech and human rights of Malaysians.

"(They say) this action is also inconsistent with the principles of moderation that are promoted and emphasised by the Malaysian government.

"However, it must be reminded that such views are something normally highlighted by foreign quarters," Anifah ( photo ) said in a written reply issued in Parliament today.

He was responding to a question from BN's Lenggong MP Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, who asked how Malaysia's reputation has been impacted by the decision to keep the colonial-era law.

Anifah said Putrajaya would explain its decision to the international community.

"The Foreign Ministry has extended information about the government's decision to maintain and strengthen the Sedition Act 1948 to all Malaysian representatives overseas with the intention to explain and clarify the matter to the relevant foreign quarters," he said.

Anifah stressed that the changes made to the Sedition Act were in the interest of the people and to maintain peace and harmony.