The government has never considered enacting the lese majeste law which is practised in Thailand, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong.

However, the de facto law minister did not rule out the possibility of such a law being created in order to protect, preserve and defend the institution of monarchy in the country.

“We still want to protect the constitutional monarchy system in which the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the highest supreme authority as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

“Maybe one day we’ll have a new law if the Cabinet decides to do so or amend the relevant law to continue protecting the monarchy institution,” he told reporters after visiting the proposed site for the development of the new Johor Court Complex in Kota Iskandar here today.

Liew said this in response to those calling for stiffer penalties and tougher legislation to curb malicious acts of defaming, insulting and ridiculing the monarchy.

Lese majeste, which refers to a crime committed against a sovereign power, is criminalised in Thailand and Cambodia. 

It is enacted with the aim of protecting and preserving the sanctity of the monarchy institution.

In Thailand, the law was introduced in 1908 and those convicted are sentenced to serve between three and 15 years in jail. 

- Bernama