MP: PH must repeal draconian laws

GEORGE TOWN: Pakatan Harapan should keep to its election pledge of abolishing repressive laws rather than just amending certain provisions, said Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh.

The government can always come out with new laws in the future but must repeal certain draconian laws, he said.

“While one could argue that the recent Seafield temple case makes it necessary for laws such as Prevention of Crime Act (Amendment) 2017 and Prevention of Terrorism Act, the fact remains that the government declared it will do away with these laws,” he said.

“The Security Offences Special Measures Act and even the Sedition Act 1948, which infringes on free speech, should be repealed as it was a major election promise of Pakatan.”

Ramkarpal said the provision under the Sedition Act which touches on the protection of the monarchy could be included in the Penal Code by making an amendment.

He was responding to Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo’s statement on Monday that certain draconian laws would still be enforced and the moratorium (suspension) would be lifted.

He, however, said this was limited to incidents that threaten national security, public order and race relations.

Gobind said certain quarters believed that the Penal Code already had enough provisions to deal with incidents like Seafield temple riots, but another group saw a need to continue the sterner laws.