Pour Sedition Act old wine in new bottle, says ex-IGP

Former inspector-general of police Abdul Rahim Noor has said that if the government insists on replacing the Sedition Act 1948, it should still put old wine in a new bottle.

"If indeed the act is to be abolished, the government must create a (new) act that can cover the security issues and racial harmony.

Like the English saying: 'Put the same wine in the different bottle'," he was quoted as saying in an interview in Berita Harian today.

However, Rahim said he would prefer if the law was retained and if necessary, some amendments be made to it.

"I do not see the rationale of abolishing it. Perhaps there needs to be some amendments, but what are the reasons to get rid of it?" he was quoted as saying.

He warned that the government should not sacrifice the long-term interests of the country for short-term gains.

While acknowledging that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak (left) had promised to replace the Sedition Act and failing to do so would be breaking a promise, Rahim said similar moves previously have not helped BN's fortunes.

"What I see, many acts concerning security were abolished or got rid of by the government before this but it has not helped to improve BN's victory (in the 13th general election)," he said.

He added that there were "political risks" if the ruling coalition went against its word and the opposition would capitalise on the matter, but said racial harmony and unity was more important.

In July last year, Najib had announced that a National Harmony Act would replace the colonial-era Sedition Act but has faced urgings against the move from his new cabinet members following May's general election.