![Among the laws that should receive attention is the Sedition Act 1948 [Act 15]. We can either amend or repeal it. - NSTP file pic](https://assets.nst.com.my/images/articles/federal_court080324_1709915693.jpg)
LETTER: The government should review laws enforced since colonial times and do away with those no longer relevant and suitable.
Among the laws that should receive attention is the Sedition Act 1948 [Act 15]. We can either amend or repeal it.
People should be permitted to speak and express their views without being investigated, arrested and prosecuted by the authorities.
The Sedition Act 1948 [Act 15], was introduced by the British in 1948 to tackle problems and issues during that period, particularly the communist insurgency.
There have been efforts to review this law. However, it remains in effect.
Freedom of speech and expression is part of basic human rights stipulated under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (UDHR) and recognised in international human rights law in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966.
Article 19 of the UDHR 1948 states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
Differences in views and ideas should be resolved through discussions and debates, not through legal action, arrest and prosecution in court.
Perhaps the next move is to establish a committee to analyse the above proposal and come out with new legislation.
The government can also conduct a survey to seek public opinion about this issue.
DR MUZAFFAR SYAH MALLOW
Associate professor, Faculty of Syariah & Law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
