(Parliament, Thursday): The recent decision by the Federal Court which ruled that kissing and hugging was not the norm for Malaysians will leave serious and negative implications in this multi-racial and multi-religious society.

In the said decision, the highest court of the land decided that local governments have the authority to enact by-laws to prosecute “indecent manner” in public.

Two students, Ooi Kean Thong, 25 and Siow Ai Wei, 23, were allegedly caught hugging and kissing at the KLCC Park, and have been charged for committing an offence under the by-law.

DAPSY views the Federal Court decision as an endorsement of the power of local councils to be the moral guardians of the public.

The interpretation of the terms “kissing” and “hugging” is worrying. What exactly is the definition of “indecent manner” according to the law?

Kissing and hugging are expressions of affection universal to humankind, and they’re not restricted to or bound by Western or Eastern values. The fact that these expressions of affection have not been a problem in the past and has now become a punishable offence, points to the degree of intolerance and narrow-mindedness on the part of the authorities.

This ruling will give  a bad of impression  of Malaysia  as a restrictive and ultra conservative destination of  holidays and it might discourage tourists from coming here.