09-04-2021, 05:36 PM
![[Image: 31072021-_lawan_rally_dataran_18-_sadiq.jpg]](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/31072021-_lawan_rally_dataran_18-_sadiq.jpg)
KUALA LUMPUR – Civil society organisations are demanding the government stop using the archaic Sedition Act 1948 to impede freedom of expression, after seven activists were hauled up by police today for questioning under the legislation.
In urging the authorities to drop all investigations against #Lawan organisers and other human rights defenders, the groups demanded the urgent reinstatement of the moratorium on the Sedition Act, as well as its immediate repeal.
The CSO Platform for Reform steering committee urged the government to act now and not be complicit in allowing the human rights in Malaysia to deteriorate further.
In a statement, it said the use of the Sedition Act has created a chilling climate of fear, hindering citizens from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and expression, signalling a downward spiral into an authoritarian state.
For these reasons, it said the Act is long overdue for repeal.
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