Time to repeal draconian colonial-era laws, Ramkarpal tells govt after PM's UiTM speech

DAP’s legal bureau chairman, Ramkarpal Singh, has urged the government to thoroughly review all colonial-era and pre-Merdeka laws, aligning with Pakatan Harapan’s reform agenda. The Bukit Gelugor MP highlighted the Sedition Act 1948 as a prime candidate for repeal or amendment, deeming it an outdated British-era law that has long been criticized for suppressing legitimate freedom of speech.

Other pre-Merdeka laws he called for scrutiny include the Evidence Act, the Penal Code, and the Civil Law Act 1956, asserting that any outdated provisions should be eliminated or replaced to reflect contemporary realities, such as advancements in artificial intelligence.

Ramkarpal emphasized that the review should culminate in the abolition or amendment of these colonial-era laws, stating, “In light of the prime minister’s comments, perhaps it is time for a comprehensive study of all colonial-era or pre-Merdeka laws, with a view to their abolition or amendment.” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed this sentiment during a Merdeka programme at UiTM Permatang Pauh, advocating for the complete abolition of colonial-era laws to genuinely honor the country’s independence.

Anwar noted that during colonial times, government officers were accountable to British superiors, with policies and resource decisions made in London, explaining the necessity of laws like the Sedition Act to curb dissent and maintain colonial control.

Ramkarpal pointed out that the government now has a unique opportunity, nearly seven decades since independence, to repeal such laws in line with Pakatan Harapan’s reform agenda, asserting that it would serve national interests and enhance the true meaning of independence. He noted that while the Federal Court can strike down or modify pre-Merdeka laws inconsistent with the Federal Constitution upon judicial review, this remedy is only available if a case is brought before the court.

Until then, he argued, these laws would persist until their repeal or amendment by Parliament. Ramkarpal also observed that Britain abolished its sedition laws in 2009, while Singapore repealed its Sedition Act in 2021, suggesting that countries have recognized the need to align with evolving democratic principles.