PARLIAMENT | A backbencher today flayed the federal government for conducting "one study after another" with regards to the abolition of the Sedition Act 1948.
Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) (above) said the removal of the law, which critics have argued was open to abuse, was a simple affair.
"We want a proper explanation from the home ministry. Instead, we keep getting generic statements about more time being needed to conduct studies.
"(The public) is tired of these excuses," he said during the winding up speech on Budget 2020 by the Home Ministry.
Ramkarpal, a criminal lawyer, said all the federal government had to do to remove the law was to amend the criminal procedure code to protect the monarchy.
"That is the only impediment towards abolishing (the Sedition Act). Is the government committed to remedying this? We seek your answer," said Ramkarpal.
In response, Deputy Home Minister Mohd Azis Jamman (above) said the removal of the Sedition Act cannot be rushed because it will affect other laws, including the Federal Constitution. He did not go into details.
"Pakatan Harapan's commitment is to remove this law. However, we must ensure there are no legal loopholes.
"We don't want to remove the law and lead us to having to find new solutions. This will cause problems," he said.
To a question by Fahmi Fadzil (PH-Lembah Pantai), Azis did not specify a time-frame for the removal of the law.
"A special committee is working hard on this matter... I cannot specify a time-frame," he said.
The Sedition Act is one of several "draconian" laws which Harapan had pledged to remove during the last general election campaign. - Mkini
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