Sedition Act Is Here To Stay

Not only that, it will be strengthened, said PM Najib Razakin his keynote address as Umno president at the party's annual general assembly in the PWTC in Kuala Lumpur today.

Najib said that he, as the Prime Minister, decided that the Sedition Act 1948 should be retained to safeguard national security.

He said the government would also strengthen the Act by inserting two special provisions, one of which is to protect the sanctity of Islam and other religions.

The second provision allows action could be taken against anyone who attempted to rouse sentiment to cede Sabah and Sarawak from Malaysia.

He got a standing ovation and rousing applause for this announcement.

Today is the start of the three-day assembly.

You know, I can hear the boos among well -- that group and the cheers as well from that side.

For me, personally -- well, for one this is not my favourite subject. As someone said -- it is something we, journos and bloggers love to hate.
Some say it is a necessary evil. Much like the ISA..

I'll ask this--  will it curb freedom of expression? Yes.  But so what? The fight for this freedom will not end. It sure will not with the Sedition Act. 

I'll ask another -  which part of that expression will the Act curb?  All those nasty inciting of hate and hatred against Islam and other religions , and on Sabah and Sarawak that is covered under the Act.

Isn't that a good thing? Because if you ask me -- I've seen a lot of nasty things flying around. Really nasty things. 

Aah.. only a right-wing Malay will say that? That's always the easiest to say. 

Wait a minute -- what about you? You -- people - naysayers, racists who are denying the foundation this country was built on? 

That's why you shouldn't label people.

But I know what that nagging feeling is  -- fear that the Act will be abused.

I'll tell you one thing -- in this day and age , that comes with a huge price. Abuse - that is. 

It goes viral. Supported by social media. Redress in social media. Pressure from social media.

And that's not seditious, you know.

In this day and age -- really -- you can run but cannot hide.

The fight for freedom of speech and expression will relentlessly continue.

I am not afraid of a strong Sedition Act. Why should you? Don't you think it will strengthen your resolve to fight for a better Malaysia... or whatever it is we are all crying for.