PAS slams new sedition law to muzzle 'free speech' on the Net

KUALA LUMPUR - PAS has hit out at plans by the government to enact controversial sedition laws to cover the internet, saying it is another method by the government to muzzle free speech.

PAS information chief Idris Ahmad (pic) said there were already many laws, such as Official Secrets Act (OSA), Sedition Act, Printing and Publications Act and the notorious Internal Security Act to act as tools in curbing freedom of speech in the country.

“The government could already use these existing acts to bring offenders to court,” said Idris.

He said the move could be an effort to stop information from reaching the people especially news about the Barisan Nasional government’s power abuse.

"UMNO-BN only relies on the mainstream media propaganda to keep their influence in the country,” he added, and said the latest plan showed the government's failure in answering criticisms against it through online media.

Idris claimed that UMNO’s machinery was weak, thus forcing it to seek help from non governmental organisations (NGO) in order to attract crowds to its events.

“No one will attend if an event is held under UMNO’s name. That’s why it is not surprising to us that Barisan Nasional has opened its door to NGOs to be with the coalition in its meeting,” said Idris, referring to a recent move by Barisan Nasional to admit members directly and assume 'associate membership'.


Harakahdaily