After Sedition Act critique, Perkasa calls US 'father of all devils'

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — The United States has no right to criticise Malaysia’s continued use of the 1948 Sedition Act because it is guilty of gross violation of human rights, Perkasa’s Datuk Ibrahim Ali said today.

Ibrahim, who is president of the Malay rights’ group, accused the US of practicing “double standards”, saying that US vice-president Joe Biden and the US Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Yun should mind their own affairs and not meddle or try to influence the Malaysian government’s decision on the matter.

“The US is the father of all devils in this world. What right have they got to intervene.

“They (US) are responsible for abusing prisoners in Guantanamo Bay,” Ibrahim said during his speech here at the Perkasa annual general assembly.

The former Pasir Mas MP praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s decision to retain the colonial-era law, but stressed that any amendments must place Islam above all other faiths.

“The most important religion is Islam which has to be protected above all else.

“Does Joe Biden, the US ambassador know that the Sedition Act is not just for peace but to handle extremism?” Ibrahim asked.

Putrajaya has demanded that US Ambassador to Malaysia Yun clarify his remarks criticising its use of the Sedition Act 1948, which he made during a press interview.

Yun was earlier quoted by news portal Malaysiakini as saying that the continued use of the colonial-era law against opposition lawmakers, activists, lawyers and academics was causing concern about possible rights violations.

In a statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry categorised Yun’s comment as unjustifiable and without basis, saying that the diplomat will be asked to explain his remarks.

Yun’s comments echo those of US Vice-President Biden, who has said Putrajaya’s “use of legal system and Sedition Act to stifle opposition raises rule of law concerns.”

Biden had gone a step further and commented on Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s ongoing sodomy appeal.

Last month, Najib declared that the Sedition Act 1948 will remain, in an about-turn from his earlier pledge in 2012 to repeal the colonial era law.

In his policy speech at the start of the 65^th Umno General Assembly, he said the decision was made after consultation with party leaders, NGOs and grassroots members.

Najib also said the Act will be reinforced with two additional provisions governing the sanctity of Islam and outlawing secessionists in Sabah and Sarawak.

Putrajaya previously pledged repeatedly to repeal the colonial era law, but in recent months increased its use of the law to hitherto unseen levels.

In just nine months this year, 12 cases have been prosecuted under the Sedition Act — the highest figure since 2009 — raising alarm in civil society of the government’s perceived clampdown on dissent.

Yun was appointed as US ambassador to Malaysia in 2013.