Liew: Govt seeking to abolish, amend or reintroduce 117 laws
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is seeking to abolish, amend or reintroduce 117 laws, but has given an assurance that the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) will not make a comeback.
Minister in the Prime Minister ’s Department, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, who is in charge of legal affairs, said the process of abolishing some laws was in its final stages, pending discussions with stakeholders and lawmakers.
Liew made it clear that only laws that the government deemed oppressive would be repealed.
Speaking after launching the 73rd anniversary celebrations of the United Nations here yesterday, Liew said the government was determined to abolish the Sedition Act 1948.
He said in its place, a new legislation would be tabled to protect the people and Malay rulers.
“We are expecting to table a bill to repeal the Sedition Act during the current Parliament session, or in March.”
When pressed further by the New Straits Times, Liew said laws such as the ISA, which was repealed by the previous administration six years ago, were not among the laws that would be reintroduced.
“There is no such thought at all on bringing back the ISA,” Liew told the NST.
On another matter, Liew said the people were free to criticise the government’s actions, policies and conduct.
Asked if public criticism could lead to the Pakatan Harapan government’s downfall, Liew said the government could be voted out only during the general election.
“You can’t criticise us out (of power).
“It must be through the ballot box.
“But don’t criticise us based on emotions.”
Liew’s announcement was in line with the PH man if es to to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, Sedition Act 1948, Prevention of Crime Act 1959, Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and National Security Council Act 2016.
PH pledged to abolish “draconian provisions” in laws such as the Penal Code, Communications and Multimedia Act, Peaceful Assembly Act and Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Since taking power, the government had set in motion a bill to repeal the Anti-Fake News Act 2018. However, the bill was rejected at the Dewan Negara, which has a considerably large number of Barisan Nasional-appointed senators.
The government announced this month that it would do away with the mandatory death penalty under various laws.