KUALA LUMPUR: Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali (pic) wants voters to reject any party election manifesto that promises to abolish the Sedition Act and champions equality and meritocracy.

Holding both the Pakatan Harapan and PAS manifestos in his hands during a press conference here, Ibrahim said voters must prioritise national security when they cast their vote during the coming 14th General Election (GE14).

He said the Sedition Act 1948 is a preventive measure to ensure national security that the country cannot afford to lose.

"The Sedition Act needs to be preserved as it has been proven effective in protecting our national security," he said, adding that Perkasa will continue to fight against its abolishment.

He echoed previous statements that the law is "purely for the good of the nation" as it allowed the authorities to act swiftly against potential threats.

"Certain parties deserve to be kept (in jail) for the safety of our nation," he said at the Perkasa headquarters here on Thursday (March 22).

Ibrahim said the Act is needed now more than ever as social media becomes a platform to incite hate and threaten national harmony.

Pakatan's GE14 manifesto promises to abolish a series of laws including the Sedition Act and the National Security Council.

It also promises to revive the National Harmony and Reconciliation Bill to curb extremism and create policies for better race relations.

Ibrahim lambasted the election manifestos of both Pakatan and PAS, saying that the promises made are vague.

"The National Harmony Bill sounds sweet but it will not work," he said.

"Whatever promises made by the political party cannot compromise the special rights of Islam, the Malays and the bumiputra as enshrined in the Federal Constitution," he said.

Ibrahim added that to ensure the stability of the national economy, the rights of the Malays, bumiputras and Islam must be protected.

"The principle of equality and meritocracy amongst races cannot work in a multicultural country like Malaysia," he said.

He said Malaysia is not ready for meritocracy yet as the Malay community is not developed enough. He said more space is needed for government intervention to create more affirmative action for the Malays and bumiputras to ensure equal and fair development amongst the different races.

"It will be good for all races if the Malay community is protected. If they are unhappy and hold demonstrations, it may threaten our national security and economic stability," he said.

Ibrahim Ali, who is a former MP for Pasir Mas, Kelantan, also said that he will return to contest in the constituency in GE14. He added that Perkasa members are ready to support any political party that the leadership endorses.