Sedition Act has helped prevent extremism, says Nazri

THE Sedition Act has been an effective tool to prevent racial and religious extremists, especially on social media.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said that although some people were against the use of the Act, it has succeeded in preventing unwanted incidences, especially in curbing statements that could cause uneasiness among people of various races.

“Inciting racial hatred is an offence under the Act. We also have other laws that can be used to regulate such actions,” he said in response to a supplementary question by Anuar Abdul Manap (BNSekijang) yesterday.

Anuar had asked what measures had been taken on those inciting religious and racial hatred on social media, especially those using fake accounts.

Replying on behalf of the Prime Minister’s Department, Nazri said the Communications and Multimedia Ministry played an important role in controlling fake social media accounts.

He said he himself had fallen victim to such fake social media accounts and had reported the matter to the authorities.

“I believe these measures are effective. I also believe that Malaysians are sick and tired and do not want a repeat of the 1969 incident,” he said.

“That has been a lesson to many and they know that in a multiracial and multireligious nation, we should be moderate and understand the sensitivities of others.”

Nazri also said that racial relations in Malaysia had improved, through various efforts made by the Government.

At the same time, he said, the Internet provided a platforms for people to manipulate public perception.

“In the past, discussion that could cause dissatisfaction (among races) took place in isolation. Now, such expression could be made through Facebook and read by others,” he said.