Using Paris incident to justify Sedition Act inhumane, Guan Eng tells IGP

Penang CM Lim Guan Eng wants a more responsible reaction from IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar over the Paris killings, instead of using it to justify sedition laws. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Seth Akmal, January 10, 2015.The Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar continues to receive severe criticism over his tweet this morning justifying the need for the Sedition Act.Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng joined in the criticism against the top cop's remarks that the Sedition Act 1948 was needed to prevent an incident such as the Charlie Hebdo massacre, which occurred in Paris on Wednesday.Lim said Khalid should not make use of a tragic incident to drum up support to retain the archaic Act."I do not think he should try to take advantage of this tragic event, in order to justify the return to autocratic rule and law in Malaysia," he said."It is inhumane, to use it to justify implementing autocratic laws.""When we talk about Sedition Act, not only is it against human rights and democracy, but in Malaysia, it is also used as a political weapon against opposition leaders and detractors," he said.Earlier today, Padang Serai MP N.Surendran said Khalid, as an IGP and a top civil servant, has no business to intervene publicly on policy or political matters.Surendran said it was disturbing that the IGP has chosen to interfere in the ongoing dispute between the Barisan Nasional ruling government and the opposition and civil society on the matter.Meanwhile, Alor Star MP Gooi Hsiao Leung said that the IGP's latest remarks were totally out of place and irrelevant.He added that Malaysians want the police force to stop playing politics and take their job more seriously in tackling and countering militant activities and propaganda.Khalid had today tweeted that laws, such as the Sedition Act, would help police nip the problem of extremism in the bud."Paris attack – Laws like the Sedition Act will surely help @PDRMsia nip the problem in the bud before it escalates. Think bef (before) saying...," he said and reminded Malaysians against makin
Selangor Speaker Hannah Yeoh at the launch of her book 'Becoming Hannah' today. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Seth Akmal, January 10, 2015.g seditious and inflammatory comments that would land them in trouble with the law.On a different note, Lim said that Pakatan Rakyat remains strong despite negative news about the leadership.He said Malaysians should look at the coalition's records that efforts are being made to change the way things were usually done, by upholding principles, and practise of good governance."I will not say that we have done everything right, we are not perfect," he said.On Hannah Yeoh's first book "Becoming Hannah", he said the book could help people understand the true meaning of not giving up in Malaysia."Never give up, never give in."The book gives us a very important message. No matter how invincible you are, no matter how much power you acquire, no matter how corrupt you are... you are no match against God and the people who vote for you," he said, referring to the change of leadership in Sri Lanka after yesterday's presidential election.Meanwhile, Hannah Yeoh said the book illustrates her personal journey and experience in Malaysia's political scene, her faith and struggles as a young politician embarking on an unknown venture. – January 10, 2015