KUALA LUMPUR: The Opposition, in particular, is responsible for the fast deteriorating level of tolerance in the country, says Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

“We have got shit-stirrers now and the Opposition is trying to stir things until the country turns chaotic,” he said, adding that laws like the Sedition Act were still needed in the interest of national security.

He also said new preventive laws were required to address the increasing crime rate.
“We need another plan to replace the Emergency Ordinance as we are a bit worried at what is going on around.

“The Government will have to put something in place again,” he told reporters in Parliament lobby Wednesday.

The EO was abolished in 2011 following criticism that it was draconian and undemocratic.

Tengku Adnan said the new laws being deliberated would be preventive in nature, aimed at deterring crime rather than to punish.

Asked if the preventive laws would address issues such as detention without trial, he assured that the Attorney-General Chambers will look at all aspects of the new laws.

“Of course, people want freedom and we have given that to an extent but sometime, freedom can be quite hard for the people as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Juniadi Tuanku Jaafar said the draft papers on the new preventive laws were being prepared by the Attorney-General.

He said the move to enact new laws was needed following growing calls from various quarters, in light of increasing syndicated crime such as illegal gambling and drug trafficking.

However, he assured that there would be engagement with the public for feedback before any laws were tabled before Parliament.

– THE STAR