POTA, Sedition Act spell a week of outrage for Msians

Bulldozing these Bills in Parliament shows us just how desperate Barisan Nasional is to stay in power.

COMMENT

By Charles Santiago

Malaysians went to bed last week only to wake up the next day to a shrinking democratic space in the country.

They woke up to find themselves robbed off their civil liberties, and their freedom of speech stifled.

Bulldozing the various Bills in Parliament, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and amendments to the Sedition Act among many others, the government has seen to it that Malaysians have lesser civil and political rights now while the police have emboldened their powers.

Prime Minister Najib Razak pledged to repeal the Sedition Act three years ago but has gone back on his words.

I have to admit that I am equally worried about voicing out my opinions as anything and everything can be construed as seditious.

The detailed provisions in these laws remain open to possible abuse by the government and police, while keeping a tighter lid on opposition politicians and civil society.

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POTA, Sedition Act spell a week of outrage for Msians