Section114A was rushed, says Saifuddin
KUALA LUMPUR : Deputy Minister for Higher Education Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah who was asked to explain why he did not participate in the debate to amend the Evidence Act (1950) said that the amendment was done in a rush.
Saifuddin in a text message to The Mole said: “On the debate of the parliament, it was quite a rush.”
He also defended himself by saying, “As deputy minister we are not encouraged to join debate.”
“Even active debating BN MPs like KJ (Khairy Jamaluddin-Rembau) admitted (it was) on the rush. So to accuse me for not debating is unfair.”
The Temerloh MP was heavily criticised on social media Twitter for voicing his dissatisfation about the amendment of Section 114A of the Evidence Act when he did not take part in the actual debate which was done in April.
He was said to have only become vocal about Section 114A of the Evidence Act recently more so during the hype of the Internet Blackout Day.
Saifuddin also denied protesting against section 114A only for political mileage.
He insisted that he speaks for truth and justice which is a part of his advocacy towards a mature and progressive democracy.
Saifuddin in his text reply said: “I don’t speak up for (political) mileage.”
“I speak up on issues that are fundamental and I happen to understand, for truth and justice and as a part of my advocacy towards a mature and progressive democracy.”
In protest of the amendment of Section 114A, “Stop 114A” campaign was created by the Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ).
The campaign was widely supported by the majority of Pakatan leaders. DAP Malaysia was also listed in Stop 114A blog as a participant for the campaign.
The ‘About’ page at the Stop114A blog said :114A “disproportionately burdens average Internet users who are wrongfully accused of seditious or defamatory content”.
The blog also says 114A will ultimately allow many real cyber criminals to avoid prosecution.
MCA president Datuk Seri Chua Soi Lek on his Twitter on Thursday however explained the amendment of Section 114A was passed fully debated in the parliament.
“PR (Pakatan Rakyat) didn’t call block voting when passing the law. They are politically dishonest.”
Meanwhile Hulu Selangor MP P.Kamalanathan who raised his concerns over the amendment of the act during the parliament sitting said the bill was passed with majority and there were not enough opposition MPs in the hall.
Kamalanathan said: “I admit I voted for the bill because I believe the Internet usage should be regulated.”
“At the same time I have also stated the authority should also explain how the act will be implemented.”
He also said among BN leaders who have raised their concerns over the act were Khairy and Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
Source: MOLE
