KOTA KINABALU: The Sedition Act 1948 should be left in place to prevent certain topics or issues to be turned into political controversies, including matters of race and religion, says Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said sensitive issues concerning religion, race and royalty (3R) should not be used for political mileage.
He said the Federal Constitution clearly states that Islam is the official religion in the country, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the monarch and Bahasa Malaysia is the national language.
“So let it be status quo (with the Act) where the rights of (all) people in this country are protected and cannot be disputed,” he told a press conference after an event here on Thursday (July 20).
He said election campaigns should focus on development policies, political stability and other matters related to the development, prosperity and stability of the nation.
He said Upko wants Malaysia to continue to be progressive and rejects any form of campaigning that can cause racial tension.
Benedick said campaigning on sensitive issues should be done away with as speaking about such matters could lead to tension.
“I don’t see how focusing election campaigns on such issues can bring Malaysia to a more progressive future because – in the context of Sabah and Sarawak – we want one clear leadership where all states, races and communities get to enjoy their rights,” he said.
Benedick said that, should he be invited to give a talk in any of the six states going to the polls on Aug 12, he would speak from Sabah's perspective of seeking leaders who can ensure that the rights of all people are protected regardless of race or religion.
“We respect the rights of Malaysians as enshrined in the Constitution and we all have those rights," he added.
