KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution defended the Sedition Act 1948 in Parliament on Thursday, refuting claims of its arbitrary use. He insisted that the Act is used solely to protect the dignity of the royal institution and safeguard religious sensitivities.

Saifuddin revealed that of the 94 related investigations opened in 2024, only eight resulted in charges under the Sedition Act. These cases involved online slander or insults against the monarchy and matters concerning religious sensitivities.

"So, the use of the word 'sewenang-wenangnya' (arbitrary) should stop being played up — there is no such thing," Saifuddin said when wrapping up the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address.

A Home Ministry task force is also currently reviewing several provisions of the Sedition Act, he said. "The review process is still ongoing to ensure the Act aligns with the spirit of reform we aim to bring," he added.

Regarding controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, Saifuddin clarified that the 2019 police order preventing him from giving public speeches is no longer in effect. He said the restriction was temporary, pending a police investigation at the time.

"I have just checked on this again, and there is no longer a ban against him," Saifuddin said, responding to Jelutong MP RSN Rayer's query about Zakir's speaking status following reports that police had issued a gag order against him in 2019.

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