Wisma Putra summoned the US Ambassador to the Ministry on 10 December 2014 to explain the US’s position on the matter,... PRESS STATEMENT BY YB FOREIGN MINISTER ON THE COMMENTS MADE BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON MALAYSIA’S SEDITION ACT 1948 AND RULE OF LAW

“Wisma Putra summoned the US Ambassador to the Ministry on 10 December 2014 to explain the US’s position on the matter, PRESS STATEMENT BY MALAYSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER HOT!! Anifah Aman panggil Duta US datang ngadap

“Wisma Putra summoned the US Ambassador to the Ministry on 10 December 2014 to explain the US’s position on the matter, PRESS STATEMENT BY YB FOREIGN MINISTER ON THE COMMENTS MADE BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON MALAYSIA’S SEDITION ACT 1948 AND RULE OF LAW

Malaysia regrets the comments made by His Excellency Joseph Y. Yun, Ambassador of the United States of America to Malaysia on the latest developments relating to the Government of Malaysia’s decision to retain the Sedition Act 1948, in an interview with an online news portal. 

Given Malaysia’s unwavering position on moderation and tolerance, Malaysia is disappointed that the US Ambassador has chosen to highlight his unwarranted comments on the decisions of the Government.  Wisma Putra has summoned the US Ambassador to the Ministry on 10 December 2014 to explain the US’ position on the matter.

The Sedition Act 1948 does not hinder a vibrant democracy.  The Act is a preventive measure to ensure that no parties would incite religious and racial tension that could jeopardize peace and stability in the country.

Malaysia calls on the US Government, to respect the internal affairs of the country and allow Malaysia the space, indispensable to all countries with maturing democracies, to ensure continued peace, security and stability in the country.
Malaysia wishes to remind all parties that the decision relating to the Sedition Act 1948 is a prerogative of the Government.  Despite the interest of external parties on the subject, any decisions of the Government on the Act are an internal matter and any unwarranted comments on the decisions of the Government would be regarded as interference in the country’s internal affairs.

The Government of Malaysia remains committed to maintaining peace, stability and harmony in the country and safeguarding the multiracial and multicultural values, norms and practices in Malaysia.


MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Putrajaya

10 December 2014