The government decided to amend the Sedition Act to protect the younger generation, says de facto Law Minister Nancy Shukri ( below ).

She claimed that “despite not liking the Sedition Act,” it was necessary as a check and balance for the younger generation.

“I’m speaking from the heart of a person who is worried about what we are going to face in the future.

I’m worried that our youngsters will be like that youth in Singapore who criticised the late Lee Kuan Yew.

“In Malaysia, this is becoming very common, rampant. I feel I am duty bound to do what is best for the country,” she told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

She was referring to 17-year-old Singapore blogger Amos Yee whose video criticising the former Singaporean premier after his death went viral and landed him in hot soup with the authorities.

Nancy also revealed she had been approached by various groups, asking for the Act to be further fortified for the good of the nation.

“People criticise the government and the prime minister for making a U-turn but we had to make a U-turn because there was too much pressure and not just from Malay (groups).

Penal Code inadequate

“Certain other groups have approached me and said they want to it (the act) to be kept,” Nancy said referring to government’s pledge made during the last general election to abolish the Sedition Act.   

She also emphasised the need for the revamped Sedition Act as laws under the Penal Code were “too wide and general”.

“The Penal Code is not able to tackle a lot of issues. It is very general and not specific [...] Sedition Act is very specific,” Nancy, who is Batang Sadong MP, added.

The government has tabled amendments to the Sedition Act introducing new provisions including no bail upon arrests and a maximum jail sentence of 20 years for certain offences.

The bill is expected to be passed during the current parliamentary sitting.