I don’t want Sedition Act abolished, Puad replies to Bersatu

September 1, 2024

PETALING JAYA: Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi says he has no plans to push the government to abolish the Sedition Act following calls from Bersatu information chief Razali Idris to do so.

Puad said he supports keeping the Act in place as it plays a key role in preventing sensitive issues related to the 3Rs (race, religion, and royalty) from being politicised.

He said Razali had criticised him for asking why Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin did not abolish the Sedition Act while in power.

“Razali suggested that I should be pressing the government to table a motion to abolish the Sedition Act,” Puad said in a Facebook post.

“I do not need to do that. I support keeping the Sedition Act. It is still necessary … to prevent the rampant toxic politics on the 3Rs.”

DISYORKAN UNTUK ANDA :

Abaikan Bantahan PAGE, Sekolah Rendah MARA Perlu Di Realisasikan

Puad added that he opposed the Internal Security Act – abolished by the Najib Razak government in 2012 – as it allowed for detention without trial.
“But the Sedition Act is not oppressive as there is a trial process,” said Puad.

He said despite 67 years of independence some political leaders have not moved away from playing up sensitive issues.

Puad cited the recent controversy surrounding Muhyiddin, who has been charged with sedition for questioning why he was not appointed prime minister by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

“Muhyiddin claims the Act is oppressive, which is why I asked why he didn’t abolish it when he was the eighth prime minister.”

In response, Razali had said Puad should not blame Muhyiddin but should instead pressure the government to bring forward a motion to abolish the Act in the Dewan Rakyat as promised by Pakatan Harapan in an election pledge.