KUALA LUMPUR: Former Court of Appeal judge Datuk Mohd Noor Abdullah has suggested the formulation of a special law on treason.
He said although there was already the Sedition Act 1948 which covered acts of treason, but there were differences between sedition and treason.
“There should be a special law on what constitutes acts of treason. This law is appropriate because some people do not really understand the actual powers of the ruler.
“Very timely for the government to legislate law on treason, not under sedition,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on the monarchy organised by Universiti Malaysia Perlis here.
He said the special law should clearly define what constituted a treason, in terms of action, speech, satire, graphics and others, and to impose a stern penalty of at least imprisonment for two years, on those found guilty.
“This is to make the people know that there is no forgiveness for those who commit treason,” he added.
Before formulating the law, he said, the society, especially the young generation, should be exposed and given explanation on the system of constitutional monarchy practised in the country.
“Taking action without providing an explanation is tyranny, but let the explanation be done by the legal experts.
“Don’t let politicians with vested interests to do it,” he added.
He said laws are rules of life and the people should abide by them.
Earlier, when tabling a working paper, Mohd Noor said freedom of speech did not allow an individual to question the powers, rights and privileges of a ruler that had been enshrined in the constitution.
“In fact, anyone who attempt to incite the abolishment of the monarchy, even in Parliament, can be charged in court eventhough they have the immunity to discuss other matters in the august House,” he added.
The seminar, themed ‘Making Monarchical Rule Sustainable’ is held in conjunction with the Raja of Perlis 70th birthday celebration. — Bernama