What new penalties are introduced for sedition crimes under the amended Act?

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New Penalties Introduced for Sedition Crimes Under Amended Act

The amended Sedition Act 1948 introduces significantly harsher penalties for sedition offences. A new section specifically targets sedition crimes that result in bodily harm or property damage, imposing a custodial sentence ranging from five to twenty years. For general sedition crimes, the Act now prescribes a jail term of between three and seven years, a notable increase from the previous maximum of three years for first-time offenders and five years for repeat offenders under the colonial-era law.
Increased Jail Terms for General Sedition

Under the revised legislation, individuals convicted of general sedition crimes face a more severe penalty of imprisonment between three and seven years. This represents a substantial escalation from the previous provisions, which stipulated a maximum of three years imprisonment or a fine of up to RM5,000 for a first conviction, and a maximum of five years for subsequent offences.
Severe Penalties for Sedition Causing Harm or Damage

A new provision within the amended Act establishes a distinct penalty for sedition crimes that lead to bodily harm or damage to property. This category of offence now carries a mandatory prison sentence of between five and twenty years, reflecting a heightened focus on the consequences of seditious acts that result in physical injury or material loss.
Previous Penalty Structure

Prior to these amendments, the Sedition Act 1948, a piece of legislation dating back to the colonial era, imposed less stringent penalties. First-time offenders were subject to a maximum of three years in jail or a fine not exceeding RM5,000. Repeat offenders faced a maximum jail term of five years, a scale of punishment that has been significantly amplified by the recent legislative changes.

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What new penalties are introduced for sedition crimes under the amended Act?

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