The United States is concerned about the Malaysian government's use of the Sedition Act, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said today.

In a statement, the embassy said its members joined other diplomats in observing yesterday's Malaysian Bar's Walk for Peace and Freedom that called for the repeal of the Sedition Act 1948.

“We recognise the peaceful nature of this protest reflected efforts of the Bar Council and Malaysian authorities.
 
“We urge the Malaysian government to apply the rule of law fairly, transparently, and apolitically in order to promote confidence in Malaysia’s democracy, judiciary and economy.  

“US officials have raised our concerns about the rule of law and human rights with the Malaysian government before, and will continue to do so,” said the embassy in a statement from its Public Affairs Section.

It urged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to follow through with what he had announced in 2012, that is to repeal the controversial law.

Meanwhile, among the detractors, Utusan Malaysia reported former Kulim Bandar Baru MP Zulkifli Noordin as saying the walk did not gather the full support of all lawyers.

“I strongly criticise the gathering. It was self-motivated to tarnish the image of lawyers throughout the country.

“The number of lawyers present was small compared with those registered, which numbers 14,000, and this showed the protest did not represent the majority,” Zulkifli said.

Defending the Sedition Act, he said it  has to remain and should be improved further to ensure Islam, Malays and the royal institution are protected.


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