Press reports indicate that a Malaysian citizen has been charged in Johor with “insulting the Crown Prince of that State” This alleged offence is claimed to have been committed against the provisions of a Federal law regulating the use of multi media. What a travesty of justice!

If the Malaysian citizen allegedly insulted wishes to sue he has his remedy in the Courts but that would, of course, require him to submit his behaviour to justice. Something which no citizen believing himself defamed should hesitate to do. Instead it appears that criminal punishment of this alleged offender is sought by back door use of an inappropriate law not in any way designed for use as an alternative to the law of defamation.

Those who believe themselves defamed have their remedy and should use it instead of trying to shelter behind inherited and out dated privilege.