Malaysia to repeal its Sedition Act for National Harmony Act

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Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on Wednesday announced that the Sedition Act 1948 will be repealed and replaced with a new act to be known as the National Harmony Act.

Bernama news agency quoted Mr Najib as saying that the decision to repeal the act was to find a mechanism that could ensure the best balance between the need to guarantee the freedom of speech for every citizen and the need to handle the complexity of plurality existing in the country.

Mr Najib was speaking during the Attorney-General's Chambers dinner at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

"With this new act we would be better equipped to manage our national fault lines. It will also help to strengthen national cohesion by protecting national unity and nurturing religious harmony," he said.

"Before formulating the National Harmony Bill, the government wants to invite views and opinions from Malaysians, whether individuals or organisations on matters that need to be addressed in drawing up the legislation.

"The Attorney-General's Chambers has been tasked as the agency responsible for getting the opinions of all stakeholders," Mr Najib said.