Wisma Putra has summoned United States Ambassador Joseph Y. Yun to explain his statement condemning Malaysia’s decision not to abolish the Sedition Act.
The Star/Asia News NetworkThursday, Dec 11, 2014
PETALING JAYA: Wisma Putra has summoned United States Ambassador Joseph Y. Yun to explain his statement condemning Malaysia’s decision not to abolish the Sedition Act.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said Yun was summoned to explain the US position on the matter.
“Any such unwarranted comments on decisions made by the Government will be regarded as interfering in the country’s internal affairs,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
Anifah was responding to Yun’s statement in an online portal inferring that the Sedition Act infringed on human rights and that it stifled basic freedoms, including freedom of speech.
“Malaysia regrets the comments made by the US Ambassador.
“Malaysia calls on the US Government to respect the internal affairs of the country and allow Malaysia the space indispensable to all nations with maturing democracies to ensure continued peace, security and stability,” he said.
The Act, said Anifah, did not hinder a vibrant democracy.
“The Act is a preventive measure to ensure that no party would incite religious and racial tension that could jeopardise peace and stability in the country,” he added.