Under revised Sedition Act, insulting religion an offence, but not criticising government

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — Those who insult and mock any religion will find themselves in the dock for causing disharmony and threatening public order once the government’s proposed changes to the Sedition Act 1948 is passed in Parliament today.

However, Putrajaya is also amending the colonial-era law to allow for government criticism in a bid to “create transparent and accountable administration” amid widespread opprobrium over its use on political dissenters.

A subclause was proposed to make it an offence for any person to “promote any feelings of ill will, hostility or hatred between persons or groups of person on the ground of religion”.

“This is in line with the intention of the Government to protect the sanctity of religions professed by multi-religious society in Malaysia. An act of insulting and ridiculing any religion may cause disharmony and threaten public order,” stated the Sedition (Amendment) Act 2015 Bill.

The Bill also made it clear that the religion of Islam that is protected under the law strictly refers to “hukum syarak”, or Islamic teachings which are “codified under any written law”, and does not include “deviant teachings”.

The Bill was tabled for its first reading in Parliament today.

Another subclause will make it no longer an offence to bring “into hatred and contempt or exciting disaffection against the Government”.

“This amendment is in line with the intention of the Government to be more open whereby the public is at liberty to give feedback and criticise the Government so as to create a transparent and accountable administration in Malaysia,” said the Bill.

The amendment will also decriminalise criticism of the administration of justice, deleting Section 3(1)(c) of the Act.

In addition, the bill will amend Section 3(1)(b) to “make clear” that any calls to demand secession for any States from Malaysia is seditious, although it admits that such demand is already seditious under the current definition.

Putrajaya previously pledged to repeal the Sedition Act 1948 that critics say is used to stifle political opposition and dissent, but later announced in November last year that it will be retained and expanded instead.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also vowed last month to ensure the controversial Sedition Act 1948 will be used to defend Islam, the Malays and the rulers for as long as he remains home minister.