Rome Statute forum: Dr M says sedition probe doesn't always mean prosecution

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today that sedition probes do not always translate into prosecution before the law.

Mahathir was asked to comment on the police probing a recent forum organised by student activists to discuss the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

"Well, the police are here to protect us. When people try to stir up trouble, they (will) try to find out," he said.

"It doesn't mean the investigation will prosecute people, but they (the police) must find out whether there was any attempt to stir up trouble or not.

"That’s why they have to investigate. It does not mean it will be followed by charges."

Mahathir was speaking to reporters after delivering his keynote address at the Al Sharq Forum Youth Conference in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

'Free speech not unlimited'

Asked if the sedition probe would stifle free speech, Mahathir opined that such freedom came with responsibility.

"We have free speech, but free speech is not unlimited.

"(If) you do something which is going to cause problems for people, (if) you insult people, of course, that is not included in free speech,” he said without specifying anyone in particular.

Putrajaya previously signed the Rome Statute, but later walked back the decision.

Mahathir blamed this on detractors who, he said, confused the public by claiming that the royals could be tried before the International Criminal Court.

Ironically, the forum under investigation had been organised to promote dialogue about the UN instrument, and had featured academics, activists and Attorney-General Tommy Thomas.

Other panellists included academic and activist Syed Husin Ali, G25 member Noor Farida Ariffin, constitutional expert Shad Saleem Faruqi, and lawyer Lim Wei Jiet.

Thomas had explained how the Rome Statute would not implicate constitutional monarchs, while Syed Husin observed how Putrajaya's signing of the instrument had been used by certain parties to fan Malay fears.

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