Palace insult cases reveal depth of Malay anger
(The Malaysian Insider) – Six men were charged in courts nationwide today for insulting the Sultan of Perak on his website. One pleaded guilty. Five others claimed trial.
That's the report. Interestingly, four of the six are Malays for whom the Malay Rulers are as intrinsic to their identity as is Islam under the Federal Constitution.
But they were angry with the Perak Ruler over his actions that has led to the state’s growing complex constitutional crisis.
They were angry enough to post insults on the Ruler's website until the authorities had to take action under Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communications Act 1998 for "unwise use of network or network services for making comments, demands, suggestions or communication which are vulgar, false, threatening or disturbing".
They not only made history by allegedly insulting the Ruler but also for being the first to be charged under this Act, which provides a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a maximum jail term of one year, or both for those found guilty.
But their action also contradicted Umno's declaration that Malays were loyal and supported the Ruler's actions. Fact is, more Malays were and are angry over the ousting of the Pakatan Rakyat government in Perak than others although the Chinese-dominated DAP had more seats than Pas or PKR.
More Malays were also out protesting against the swearing-in ceremony for Pangkor assemblyman Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir as Barisan Nasional's choice for menteri besar.
While some Umno leaders say the Malays are being exploited or led astray by other races to protest against the Sultan, today's court cases reveal the depth of Malay anger over the perceived injustice in Perak and Umno's intransigence over the years.
Their anger will not dissipate until they get what they want, justice for the elected government in Perak and a government that represents their interests.
Notwithstanding all the fines to be paid in court. Or the rallies and show of support for the royals organised by Umno and their allies.
