Malaysian PM Najib Razak reverses vow to scrap anti-sedition laws
Opposition warns of move back to authoritarian rule as prime minister reverses vow to scrap act
Malaysia's prime minister yesterday abandoned plans to repeal a controversial sedition law increasingly used against his regime's political opponents, as the opposition warned of a lurch back to authoritarian rule.
Prime Minister Najib Razak vowed in 2012 to abolish the British colonial-era Sedition Act, promising to move away from his regime's authoritarian tactics in an attempt to shore up dwindling voter support.
But Najib yesterday told his ruling party's annual congress the law would be retained and even enhanced, apparently bowing to pressure from conservatives who advocate a tougher hand in response to a series of electoral setbacks.
"As prime minister, I have decided that the Sedition Act will be maintained," Najib told cheering delegates from his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
He said the law would "be strengthened and made more effective", drawing applause.
Critics accuse the government of using the sedition law to intimidate and silence an opposition movement that is threatening UMNO's hold on power.
Around three dozen people - mostly opposition politicians, including leader Anwar Ibrahim - have been investigated, charged or convicted for sedition this year. The crackdown has been widely condemned by rights groups and criticised by the US embassy in Malaysia.