A-G believes prosecution needed to deal with seditious issues – Bernama

Prosecution on seditious issues is deemed necessary as situations have become too extreme, says Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

He said the level of tolerance and understanding which existed among the people in the country was being eroded and this might affect current and future generations.

He said in the past, there was no need for prosecution intervention as the people were able to handle comments on seditious cases maturely and patiently. But the situation had changed.

"In the past, inappropriate social behaviour and language were unacceptable and those crossing the line were immediately stopped by their political and community leaders.

"Today, prosecution intervention is considered necessary as the situation has gone to the extreme," said Gani when speaking at the Attorney-General's Chambers monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.

He said there were criticisms hurled at the Attorney-General's Chambers on current issues which were quite worrying, especially in the social media, which were seditious and insensitive and could damage relations among the people in the country.

"We need to understand that each person has a different perception on a certain matter. In other words, what is in existence is not what we see.

"It all depends on the background, education, culture, social, religion and other factors. The social situation has changed over time and matters considered as seditious in the 90's, are now considered acceptable practice.

"For example, questioning government policy today, is considered as part of the democratic process.

"Nonetheless, for those who choose to debate on the issue in a public forum, including social media, should be aware of their responsibility in the freedom of speech so as not to breach the barrier created and violate regulations." – Bernama, October 30, 2014.