‘No need for lese majeste law’

Muhyiddin: We have sufficient legislation to protect royal institution

THERE are sufficient laws to protect the sanctity of the royal institution and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on social media, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Home Minister said there was no necessity to enact a specific law similar to Thailand’s lese majeste law to protect Malay Rulers and the royal institution.

“We think that it is not suitable to introduce lese majeste law for now, but we will study the provisions under the Sedition Act further.

“There are proposals to include such provisions under the Penal Code. When it is being tabled to the Cabinet, we will determine whether it is acceptable to amend or strengthen the laws,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Ramli Mohd Nor (BN-Cameron Highlands) during Question Time.

Muhyiddin said the authorities had investigated 97 cases and charged 11 persons for allegedly insulting the royal institution and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on social media from 2012 until last month.

He said the police would investigate based on reports involving cases that insult Islam and the royal institution, taking action under the Sedition Act, Penal Code or Communications and Multimedia Act.

Muhyiddin also noted that in order to preserve national security, the government would not compromise on any type of threats or acts by any party who tries to destabilise the country’s peace, harmony and stability.

“Stern action will be taken against anyone who tries to create chaos or provocation in any form, including speech, writing or the spread of fake news,” he added.