Judiciary Not Intimidated By Street Demonstrations - Rais

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- The proceedings or decision of any case relating to the laws of the country cannot be amended or denied by demonstrations said the Minister of Information, Communications and Culture Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.

He said apart from considering their responsibility to the community, those who wished to demonstrate should be aware that their action would not influence or strike fear on the judiciary in making its decision.

"Demonstrations cannot change the flow or channels of the legal process of the country and if that is what they demand, it would destroy our nationhood," he said when commenting on allegations that certain groups are trying to hold a demonstration in conjunction with the decision of the court on the sodomy case involving opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 9.

Speaking to reporters after launching the 2012 Istana Budaya programme here Thursday, Rais said the parties should in fact accept the fact as in the case of a former Menteri Besar who was found guilty by the court recently as a reference that court decision is not limited to certain groups only.

"They should accept the fact as judges are not intimidated by street demonstrations."

On the matter, he hoped the community would support the decision makers such as the Attorney-General and the judges.

"They are demonstrating for political mileage and not for improvement of the legal system," he said.

In another development, Rais said the Film Censorship Board (LPF) need to change based on current technology such as using full digitalisation method compared to traditional system where film was used.

He said the LPF should also be braver in curbing film not suitable to the Malaysian lifestyle and not just disallowing film based on superstitions from being screened in public.

On Wednesday, Home Ministry Secretary-General Tan Sri Mahmood Adam announced that all film operators in the country would be allowed to practise self-censorship without having to go through the ministry or any agencies under the ministry from next year.

On the Istana Budaya programme launch, Rais said the ministry was confident the 19 presentations could increase its audience size by another 15 per cent from its 2011 total of 156,000.

He said among the shows were Upin dan Ipin the Musical, Dr Siti Hasmah Musical and Asean Extravaganza Musical which combines the presentations of 10 Asean countries.

Among other attractive shows are Konsert Awie dan Ella, Cuci The Musical, theatre on Bahaman Orang Kaya Semantan, The Kichen Musical, P.Ramlee The Musical and Luna Latisya, comedy musical adapted from the movie Cun starring Remy Ishak and Maya Karin.