KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue using several law related security and public order.
However, the use of these laws will only be done when it involves issues of national security, public order, and race relations said Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
The legislation which are currently in moratorium includes the Sedition Act 1948; Section 223 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA); Security Offences (Special Measures) (SOSMA) Act 2012 (Act 747); The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) and the Crime Prevention Act 1959 (POCA).
Gobind clarified that the lifting of the moratorium or suspension of these laws is limited to incidents that threaten national security, public order, and race relations.
He said the move to lift the suspension of these when it comes to these certain instances agree by the cabinet at its weekly meeting last week.
"The use of this act (in the moratorium) will continue for now. The proposed amendments are still in process, and will be announced when the government is ready to formulate a new policy," he said.
Gobind was this after opening the National Cyber Security Strategy Development Conference, here today.
He was commenting on Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's statement that the government had agreed to suspend the moratorium on POCA, POTA, Sedition Act SOSMA in managing the riots and related offences involving the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, at USJ 25, Subang Jaya.
Muhyiddin on Tuesday said that though there is a moratorium on these acts but in the current situation, considering what happened at the temple, they can be used by the police even though they are being thoroughly re-evaluated.
The riots on Nov 26 and 27, due to disagreements over relocating the temple, had resulted in several people being injured as well as damage to vehicles and property.
Among those injured was fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, 24, who was beaten by rioters while responding to a fire at the site.
Meanwhile when asked on the alleged sexual harassment at and English language radio station, Gobind said he was aware of the issue and would investigate further.
On the development’s involving National Media Council, Gobind said it was still in the discussion stage.
"We have not yet set up (Media Council) but are following a follow-up discussion. If there is a structure, we will announce," he said.
Commenting on Hans Isaac being appointed as Malaysia National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) deputy director-general, Gobind said an announcement on the matter would be this week.