The United States (US) government have their own backyard to take care of and should not be telling Malaysians how to run the country, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri.

"Malaysia is a sovereign country, therefore it is up to us to make sure that we are doing the best for the country in terms of human rights," she told reporters after officiating Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (SSPCA) Christmas Charity Bazaar 2014 at The Association of Churches Building, Jalan Stampin, Sunday.

She was commenting on criticisms from various quarters, among them United States Vice President Joe Biden and US Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Y. Yun for their remarks on the country’s decision to retain the Sedition Act 1948.

Meanwhile, Nancy said discussions on the formulation of the National Harmony Act were still continuing although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced that the Sedition Act 1948 would be retained.

"We still need the National Harmony Act to further boost harmony among the various races in the country," she said.