PUTRAJAYA, Sept 9 — The Sedition Act 1948 should be maintained to preserve the peace that has been nurtured since independence, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.      

He objected to any repeal of the Act which would merely serve to satisfy the whims of a minority group at the expense of the majority who would have to bear the consequences such as disorder, once it is done away with.        

“Even now we see irresponsible parties belittling religion, race and the Institution Of Malay Rulers on the pretext of freedom of expression,” he said at the ministry’s monthly meeting here today.

Ismail Sabri who is also Umno Supreme Council member, said if the Sedition Act is repealed, the government’s mission to achieve developed nation status by 2020 would fail.      

He also said the Royal Malaysian Police and Attorney General’s Chambers should take stern action against the minority group that is trying to disrupt harmony in the country with their seditious statements. — Bernama