National security must be protected

KUALA LUMPUR: Plans to repeal the Sedition Act should only be considered when certain provisions of the Act that are essential in safeguarding the multi-races, government and royalty are maintained.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said Sections 3 and 4 of the Sedition Act should be upheld while the rest of the Act can be done away with.
"There are certain clauses and provisions of the Act that should be maintained for the sake of national security. Clauses such as Section 3 and 4 should prevail to be invoked when sensitive remarks and comments are made against the various races in the country and royalty.
The Sedition Act should not be applied for comments made on individuals except when it involves the judiciary and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"It is the trend these days for the public to speak their minds, criticising and pointing out wrongdoings. There is nothing wrong with that.
"However, there should be laws to protect the institutions crucial in keeping the national security in order," he told reporters after opening the "International Conference on Law, Order and Criminal Justice 2014" today at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (Istac).
Section 3 defines seditious tendency as one that brings into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against any Ruler or against any government.
Section 4 states that any person who is involved with seditious activities, utters seditious words, produces or imports seditious materials will be convicted and jailed for three years or fined RM5, 000 fine or both for the first offence, and five years' jail for subsequent offences.
The clause can also be invoked on those who possesses seditious materials without a lawful excuse.Those guilty face a RM2,000 fine or 18 months' jail or both for the first offense and three years' for the following offences.
The Act has long been criticised for stunting the freedom of speech.
The calls for the repeal of the Act over the years has seen mixed reactions from various parties with more quarters being against it.
On another matter, Rais said there should be greater scrutiny on foreigners who intend to pursue higher education in Malaysia to ensure they do not abuse the priviledge by committing undesirable activities, especially cyber crimes.
"It will not be fair to impose a blanket ban on any particular nationality if a number of them are known to be involved in cyber fraud or other crimes.
"People vary from each other, there are ones who want to obtain an education genuinely. The relevant authorities such as the Immigration Department should impose stricter conditions and vet the background of each of such foreigners before allowing them entry into the country." he said.
Rais also said in order for the police to act effectively against criminals, outdated Malaysian laws should be revised to keep up with current times.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar who was also present said his personnel are regularly sent for courses and seminars to keep abreast with matters related to the application of local laws.