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Malaysia summons US ambassador over anti-sedition law

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (KUNA) -- Malaysia has summoned the US ambassador after he criticized a government decision retaining the controversial half-a-century "sedition incitement" law, considering his critical rhetoric as tantamount to meddling in domestic affairs.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that it summoned the ambassador, Joseph Yun, due to his criticisms of the recently-amended law. It urged the US Administration to "respect local affairs" of Malaysia, adding that the modified law "does not breach basis of democracy.
"It is intended to prevent fomenting religious and racial tensions that may threaten the country's security and stability." The ambassador told a Malaysian newspaper, last week, that his country was concerned about the new legislation, originally endorsed during British colonial rule in the 40s. The recently-amended law safeguards Islam's sanctity, stipulates punishment against desecration of other religions and separatism incitement.
The law in its original text punishes culprits to three years in prison in cases such as inciting unrest, racial tension and insulting kings. (end) aib.rk