THE Sedition Act should not be used against individuals who express anti-government views, says Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai, who has called for greater respect for constitutional freedoms and a review of how the law is applied.
He said criticism of government policies and actions is a fundamental right protected under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, and should not be treated as a criminal offence.
“The government led by Barisan Nasional before had already amended the law by removing ‘anti-government speech’ from the scope of the Sedition Act,” he said in a statement.
“Therefore, any government in power should respect the Constitution, listen to the voice of the people and accept views openly,” he added.
Lau stressed that legitimate criticism of the government must not be equated with sedition, arguing instead that administrations should be open to scrutiny in order to improve weaknesses in governance.
“Criticism against the government should not be equated with sedition. Instead, the government must be open-minded to improve its weaknesses,” he said.
However, he drew a distinction between criticism and actions that threaten public order, saying that individuals who incite violence, endanger national security or insult royal institutions should still face firm legal action.
At the same time, he argued that criticism of the government should not be treated as a threat to national sovereignty.
He also referred to previous cases involving criticism of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, noting that such remarks had led to investigations by authorities.
“This raises questions as to whether such actions are intended to suppress the people’s voice from speaking the truth,” he said.
Lau questioned why the government appeared not to be adhering to legal amendments made in 2015, claiming that the Sedition Act is increasingly being used to detain and prosecute individuals who criticise the government and the Prime Minister.
He argued that if Malaysia is serious about upholding the rule of law and democratic principles, the Sedition Act should be repealed and replaced with a new legal framework more in line with contemporary public expectations.
He also called on the MADANI government to clarify the use of the Sedition Act in investigating and summoning individuals over alleged anti-government statements. - April 23, 2026
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