Review all colonial-era, pre-Merdeka laws, says Ramkarpal

DAP’s legal bureau chairman, Ramkarpal Singh, has urged the government to review all colonial-era and pre-Merdeka laws to align with Pakatan Harapan’s reform agenda. Former deputy law minister Ramkarpal argues that outdated provisions should be repealed or updated, with the Sedition Act 1948 being a prime candidate for elimination.

Describing it as an archaic British-era law, he notes its long-standing criticism for restricting legitimate freedom of speech. Other pre-Merdeka laws, including the Evidence Act, the Penal Code, and the Civil Law Act 1956, should also be reviewed, according to Ramkarpal, to reflect present-day realities, including advancements such as artificial intelligence.

He suggests that this comprehensive study could lead to the abolition or amendment of these laws. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed the sentiment, stating that colonial-era laws should be abolished to truly embody the nation's independence. At a Merdeka programme, Anwar explained that during the colonial period, government officers were accountable to British superiors, and decisions regarding the country's resources were made in London.

Ramkarpal elucidates that this explains the need for the Sedition Act, which was used to suppress dissent, as it served the colonial authorities' interests to maintain their control. He believes that nearly seven decades after independence, the government has an opportunity to repeal the Sedition Act and align all colonial-era laws with the nation's progress.

A review of these laws would likely garner bipartisan support as it is in the national interest, enhancing the significance of independence. Ramkarpal adds that while the Federal Court can strike down or modify pre-Merdeka laws that conflict with the Federal Constitution, this would only occur upon a legal challenge. Without such a challenge, the laws would remain in force until Parliament takes action to amend or repeal them.

He also mentions that Britain abolished its sedition laws in 2009, while Singapore repealed its Sedition Act in 2021.