SEDITION ACT - an draconian legislation that has no place in a true democracy?

If someone LIES - then it would libel or defamation >>> it is also a criminal offence ...

Now,  Sedition is about causing disaffection with the government, etc ... it is a violation of freedom of expression and opinion... it also is bad for Malaysia - for it is against criticism, highlighting of failings, etc - It is a draconian piece of legislation - certainly unsuitable for a democratic nation.

WHY THE SEDITION ACT MUST BE REPEALED?

WHY THE SEDITION ACT MUST BE REPEALED?

- Because it is a draconian legislation

- It violates one's right and freedom of expression and opinion - people should be free to raise disaffection against the Government, the administration of justice (i.e. the police, the prosecutor, the courts, ... ), etc - any criticism and disclosure of wrongdoings, etc can be said to be an offence under this Act.

- Worse, even if the facts disclosed is the TRUTH, under this Act it is not a defence - for the only concern is whether there is a 'seditious' tendency. Whether it is true or not is irrelevant. [In Defamation, truth is a defence....]

- Where there was any INTENTION to be seditious is immaterial.

REPEAL OF THE SEDITION ACT IS COMMENDABLE

PRESS STATEMENT

REPEAL OF THE SEDITION ACT IS COMMENDABLE

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (the Commission) welcomes the announcement of the proposed repeal of the Sedition Act 1948, one of the many laws which it has previously called upon the Government to repeal, and hopes that this commendable move will enable a greater enjoyment of the basic human rights to freedom of speech as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (UDHR). 

The Commission appreciates and supports the efforts for democratic reforms and to safeguard human rights and freedom in the country, as promised during the Honourable Prime Minister’s special Malaysia Day address on 15 September 2011. The Government 

Cease Use of, and Abolish, the Sedition Act - Malaysian Bar

Press Release | Cease Use of, and Abolish, the Sedition Act

Wednesday, 20 August 2014 03:09pm
The Malaysian Bar is concerned with the ongoing use of, and resort to, sedition laws by the authorities.  This is in direct contradiction to the express recognition by the Government that the Sedition Act has long outlived its purpose, and undermines the explicit pledge by the Prime Minister in July 2012 to repeal this law.