Govt mulls tougher laws to stop anti-royalty comments

(FMT) – The government may introduce stiffer laws to protect the monarchy from criticism, de facto law minister Liew Vui Keong said today in the wake of the arrest of several individuals over their online comments deemed as insulting to the Malay rulers.

“It is crucial. We do not want the rakyat to criticise the Agong and sultans,” Liew told reporters today.

“If the Cabinet agrees to amend the laws, we will.”

He added that the Cabinet would meet at the end of the month to study other Commonwealth countries such as the UK which practises democracy alongside the system of monarchy.

The move comes more than a week after Sultan Muhammad V stepped down from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong post, amid intense social media speculation surrounding the Kelantan ruler.

Yesterday, police confirmed that three individuals had been detained following reports lodged against them over their comments on social media.

They are being investigated under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948.

Speaking today, Liew said the home ministry had agreed to maintain the law. He added that he would meet with representatives of the ministry to hear them out on the matter.

“The ministry has its own policies. I cannot go in and say I want this or that,” he said when asked if he would request for the act to be repealed.

On Dec 2, it was reported that Putrajaya had lifted the moratorium on the Sedition Act to allow the law to be used against those who threaten security and peace.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the Cabinet had also decided to withdraw the moratorium on the Prevention of Crime Act (Amendment) 2017, Prevention of Terrorism Act, Sedition Act 1948 and the Security Offences Special Measures Act.

On the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill, Liew said the government had agreed for it to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat this year.

“But there are suggestions from the police that it may be in conflict with their constitutional rights,” he added.

He said the government would look into the matter, and that according to his understanding, the IPCMC will deal with complaints against a particular police officer while the constitution deals with the promotion and duties of police personnel.