We have existing laws to protect royal institution, no need for new legislation, says Rais

SEREMBAN: There is no need to enact new legislation to protect the sanctity of the royal institution from being mocked by irresponsible individuals, says former de-facto Law Minister Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim (pic).

The former socio-cultural adviser to the government said this was because provisions in the Federal Constitution, including the Sedition Act 1948, have already provided sufficient penalties.

"The issue here is that some irresponsible people have taken advantage of our incompetency to enforce these laws.

"Personally, I do not see the need for new legislation.

"We need to prove that we can execute our duties well, based on provisions under the existing laws," he said after a session with the Negri Sembilan Minang Welfare Association on Thursday (Jan 10).

Citing an example, he said there were already provisions in the Penal Code against any individual who attacked or mocked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"Why are we not looking at these? Why do we need new legislation when we already have some 987 main Acts?" he asked.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong, when proposing possible new legislation, said some existing laws would also be amended for the purpose.

He said since Malaysia was a constitutional monarchy, the government should ensure that the Rulers were protected from unfounded slander and attacks by irresponsible people.

Liew said the laws must provide for the punishment of irresponsible people who did not respect the institution of the monarchy.

He said the government would probably also be looking at punishment because, at the moment, the punishment for certain offences against the monarchy “was on the low side (lenient)".

Rais, who is also state Parti Pribumi Bersatu chief, said he knew his views on the matter were against that of the federal government but these were based purely on points of law.

"Many people get excited when they hear that the government is coming up with new laws.

"But we should not blindly accept whatever a minister says," he said, adding that his intentions were not to seek publicity. - Star