A minister has warned that if the government repeals the Sedition Act, Malaysia would not be able to achieve its 2020 vision of becoming a developed nation.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also an Umno supreme council member, argued that the legislation, which has been in place since 1948, should be maintained to preserve peace.

He objected to any repeal of the Act which would merely serve to satisfy the whims of a minority group at the expense of the majority who would have to bear the consequences such as disorder, once it is done away with.
 
“Even now we see irresponsible parties belittling religion, race and the institution of Malay rulers on the pretext of freedom of expression,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had promised to repeal the Sedition Act in line with his transformation agenda.

However, the move has met with resistance from various quarters.

Last month, the architect of Vision 2020 Dr Mahathir Mohamad had fired a salvo at Najib for, among others, repealing the Internal Security Act.

With pressure mounting, there are signs that the prime minister might backpedal on his earlier pledge.

This morning, he told civil servants that discussions would be held with stakeholders to determine if the Sedition Act should be abolished.


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