Malaysia reverses vow to scrap controversial sedition law
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KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysia's prime minister on Thursday abandoned plans to repeal a controversial sedition law increasingly used against his regime's political opponents, as the opposition warned of a lurch back to authoritarian rule.
Prime Minister Najib Razak vowed in 2012 to abolish the British colonial-era Sedition Act, promising to move away from his regime's authoritarian tactics in a bid to shore up dwindling voter support.
But Najib on Thursday told his ruling party's annual congress the law would be retained and even enhanced, apparently bowing to pressure from conservatives who advocate a tougher hand in response to a series of electoral setbacks.
"As prime minister, I have decided that the Sedition Act will be maintained," Najib told delegates from his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
He said the law will "be strengthened and made more effective", drawing applause.
Critics accuse the government of using the sedition law to intimidate and silence an opposition movement that is threatening UMNO's hold on power.
Around three dozen people - mostly opposition politicians, including leader Anwar Ibrahim - have been investigated, charged or convicted for sedition this year.
The crackdown has been widely condemned by rights groups and criticised by the US Embassy in Malaysia.
Anwar accused Najib of caving to "rightists and racists" in the ruling establishment who are "instilling a culture of fear" in order to cling to power.
"This is the start of authoritarian rule by Najib," Anwar told AFP.
"They will use the sedition law to intimidate the legitimate voice of the opposition."
