§ 13. Mr. Oramasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the law concerning printing presses in Sarawak has been changed; whether the change is in tended to be permanent or temporary; to what extent defects in the existing law on sedition made necessary the change in respect of printing presses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. FraserSome newspapers in Sarawak have recently been publishing material likely to prejudice peace and good order and, in particular, good relations between the different races. The changes in the law to which the hon. Member refers provide for the immediate revocation of a printing press licence. The Governor rightly considers it desirable that it should be possible to take action promptly to check the publication of such inflammatory material. I am in consultation with the Governor about how long the new legislation will remain in force.
§ Mr. OramIs the Minister saying that the situation in Sarawak is so serious as to justify this drastic step of taking the control of the Press out of the courts of law and putting it into the hands of officials? Is not this action likely to discourage rather than encourage faith in the democratic process and the rule of law?
§ Mr. FraserAs the hon. Member well knows, we are making considerable advances there, and there will be further advances on the constitutional front in the near future. This action was taken in an effort to stamp out any trouble which might arise owing to these inflammatory articles.