Press reports of a prosecution of a Malaysian accused of insulting the Agong raise some disturbing issues. Not least the use of legislation intended to deal with misuse of the Press to persecute a simple critic. Are Malaysians not allowed to hold the view that royalty is an outdated and inappropriate institution in this day and age? Should any Malaysian publicly express the view that the PN government is wholly corrupt would the PDRM rush to scour their law books to find a suitable offence?

Several views of the institution of “royalty” are possible and of its public conduct to justify respecting it in this day and age. Turning lawful owners off their land to pursue personal profit through gold mining. for example.

Kings and Queens need to display spotless behaviour if their outdated status is to remain generally respected. How many Malaysian”royals” can claim that status?