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Malaysia to abolish, amend 117 laws

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is seeking to abolish, amend and reintroduce a total of 117 laws, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong.

Liew, who is in charge of legal affairs, said the abolishment of some of these laws was in its final stages pending further discussions with stakeholders and lawmakers.

Without providing details, Liew made it clear that only laws that the government deemed oppressive would be repealed.

Speaking to reporters after launching the 73rd Anniversary of the United Nations here today, Liew also said the government was determined to abolish the Sedition Act 1948.

He said in its place, a new legislation would be tabled to protect the people and Malay rulers.

“We are expecting to table a bill to repeal the Sedition Act during the current parliament session or in March next year.”

Meanwhile, Liew said the people were free to criticise the government’s actions, policies and conduct.

Asked if public criticism could lead to the government’s downfall, Liew said the Pakatan Harapan administration could only be voted out during the general election.

“You can’t criticise us out (of power)… it must be through the ballot box. But don’t criticise us based emotions.”

On a separate matter, Liew said Malaysia will urge Singapore to commute Malaysian citizen Prabu Pathmanathan’s mandatory death sentence.

Liew said the Malaysian government would urge Singapore to reduce Prabu’s sentence to life imprisonment.

Prabu was sentenced to death by the Singapore court after he was found guilty of drug-trafficking.

It was reported that his execution would be carried out at Changi Prison on Friday (Oct 26).

Source: NST