According to the additional section mooted under the chapter of the Act dealing with offences against the state, the maximum penalty is 15 years in jail and a fine.
Likewise, in another new subsection, those flying a flag other than the Jalur Gemilang to represent Malaysia can also be jailed for no less than five years and not more than 15 years.
The amendments mooted come soon after a controversy over the arrest of activists for flying the leftist flag Sang Saka Malaya during Merdeka eve this year.
In immediate reaction, PKR-linked NGO Lawyers for Liberty said that the amendment is “absurd” and “draconian and extremely disproportionate”.
The NGO said that another amendment “termed opposition and NGO-activism... as vandalism”.
“The BN might as well outlaw the opposition and NGOs - make it an offence to say or do anything that contravenes government politics or officials,” it said on Twitter.
The NGO was referring to a proposed subsection under part of the Act which deals with mischief.
Under this, those taking part in political street art may be implicated under this proposed sub-section which punishes those who put up unauthorised slogans, caricatures, banners and posters on public or private property with up to three years in jail.
This includes simply displaying or exhibiting placards with unapproved messages.
Other amendments in the Bill tabled this morning without prior consultation with the Malaysian Bar or opposition lawmakers include:
- Seven to 30 years’ jail and a fine for accepting gratification to facilitate a terrorist;
- Five years’ jail and a fine for harbouring an organised criminal group;
- Five to 20 years’ jail and a fine for consorting with a criminal group; and
- Up to 10 years jail and a fine for recruiting members for an organised criminal group.
The Bill will be debated in the ongoing parliamentary session which began on Monday and will end on Oct 3.
By Aidila Razak
What about the Israeli flag?
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