SENATE The Dewan Negara yesterday passed the Sedition  Bill (Amendment) 2015 after a heated debate by 21 senators.

Some wanted to know how the government planned to act against Malaysians who fled the country after making provocating statements.

Several of the senators wanted the government to take firm action against  individuals who provoke and incite via the social media.

Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, when winding up debate on the bill, said the law is not only focused on politicians.

In fact, the government assured that the law would not be used on those who did not commit offences and did not criticise excessively.

“The government assures this law will only used on those who commit offences regardless whether they are ordinary people, of high or low status, politicians or civil servants,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Dewan Negara, which sat for 10 days since April 13, adjourned sine die yesterday.

A total 15 bills were approved, namely the Malaysian Aviation Commission Bill 2015, Supplementary Supply (2014) Bill 2015, Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2015 and Special Measures Against Terrorism in Foreign Countries Bill 2015.

Also approved were the Technologists And Technicians Bill 2014, Public Sector Home Financing Board Bill 2015, Prisons (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2015, Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2015 and Prevention of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2015.

The others were Security Offences (Special Measures) (Amendment) Bill 2015, Securities Commission (Amendment) Bill 2015, Sedition (Amendment) Bill 2015, Education (Amendment) Bill 2014, Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2014 and Members of Parliaments (Remuneration) (Amendment) Bill 2014).

Dewan Negara president Abu Zahar Ujang announced the adjournment at 11pm and thanked all members of the Dewan Negara for ensuring the 10-day sitting was peaceful and smooth.  

- Bernama