KUALA LUMPUR: Wisma Putra has summoned United States (US) Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Y. Yun to explain his country's position on Malaysia's decision to retain the Sedition Act 1948.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (pic) said Kuala Lumpur was disappointed that the US ambassador had chosen to highlight his unwarranted comments on the Government's decision, given Malaysia's unwavering position on moderation and tolerance.
"Malaysia regrets the comments made by Yun on the latest developments relating to the government's decision to retain the Sedition Act 1948," he said in a statement Wednesday.
The envoy in an interview with an online news portal on Dec 6, said the US was ‘puzzled’ over Malaysia's decision to retain the Sedition Act.
A day before, US Vice-President Joe Biden had also made a remark on the Act, and on Oppposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anifah said Malaysia called on the US Government to respect the country's internal affairs and allow Malaysia the space, indispensable to all countries with maturing democracies to ensure continued peace, security and stability.
"Malaysia wishes to remind all parties that the decision relating to the Sedition Act is a prerogative of the Government," he added.
He stressed that any government decision on the Act was an internal matter and any unwarranted comment related to the matter would be regarded as interference in the countrys internal affairs.
Anifah pointed out that the Sedition Act did not hinder a vibrant democracy, but was a preventive measure to ensure that no party would incite religious and racial tension that could jeopardise peace and stability in this country.
"The Malaysian Government remains committed to maintaining peace, stability and harmony in the country, and safeguarding the multiracial and multicultural values, norms and practices in Malaysia," he said. - Bernama
