Any debates on the Sedition Act 1948 at the upcoming Umno General Assembly should explore how to get everyone to agree with the changes that would be proposed, said vice-president Shafie Apdal.

He said the audience of the debates are not those present at the general assembly venue alone, but also nationwide.

“Some want it abolished, or to rebrand it, or to improve the existing legislation. So we need to look at these views and align the national leadership’s views to it,” he said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia published today.

Shafie (left) said the old law is inadequate in tackling online sedition and misinformation, allowing the perpetrators to get away scot-free.

“Our laws are not complementary and inadequate for us to take action to maintain harmony in our country,” he said.

Umno vice-president Hishammuddin Hussein had previously announced that the Sedition Act is among the motions to be tabled for debate at the party’s general assembly, which will be held from Nov 25 until 29 at the Putra World Trade Centre.

Although Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had repeatedly pledged to replace the draconian law, he has faced opposition to the move from right-wing groups including from within Umno itself.

Umno women’s chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil had said that her party wing “unanimously disagrees” with the law’s abolition.

On another matter, Shafie confirmed that some Umno leaders had blocked young aspiring Umno members from joining the party, in a bid to maintain power.

“Yes, this happens in some places. Therefore we have delegated powers to the state level through the branches and divisions to enable them to join.

“If there is anything preventing them from joining, they can send their application directly to the party headquarters,” he said when asked.

Shafie, who heads the party’s membership and electoral roll bureau, said the party needs to be open for youths to speak through certain channels in the party, lest they make noise outside the party instead and make matters worse.

He said Umno leaders who move to prevent young talent from moving up the ranks should be willing the make sacrifices so that the party can be accepted by all.

"If the time comes for us to vacate our post, why not do so?" he asked.


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