PARLIAMENT Threatening to slap somebody is not considered a criminal offence at all, as it does not involve the act of slapping itself, Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
Zahid said so in a written answer to Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh), who asked him why his ministry did act against a group of Islamic NGOs that offered a reward to anyone who slapped her, or against Sabah politician Yong Teck Lee, who made a similar offer for a slap to Zahid.
"It is the principle in criminal law is that a criminal offence can only exist when there are two elements together, which is actus reus (the act) and mens rea (criminal intention)," the written answer says.
"Referring to the question, it cannot be said that a criminal offence exists because it does not fulfil the legal principles as stated," the brief answer adds.
Kok was subject of a fiery protest that included the NGO members smearing chicken blood on her poster.
The protest was a backlash for her Chinese New Year satire video called "Onederful New Year" which is said to parody national leaders.
Kok has already been charged with sedition for her video, while those who threatened to slap her have not been subjected to any action.
Zahid said so in a written answer to Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh), who asked him why his ministry did act against a group of Islamic NGOs that offered a reward to anyone who slapped her, or against Sabah politician Yong Teck Lee, who made a similar offer for a slap to Zahid."It is the principle in criminal law is that a criminal offence can only exist when there are two elements together, which is actus reus (the act) and mens rea (criminal intention)," the written answer says.
"Referring to the question, it cannot be said that a criminal offence exists because it does not fulfil the legal principles as stated," the brief answer adds.
Kok was subject of a fiery protest that included the NGO members smearing chicken blood on her poster.
The protest was a backlash for her Chinese New Year satire video called "Onederful New Year" which is said to parody national leaders.
Kok has already been charged with sedition for her video, while those who threatened to slap her have not been subjected to any action.
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