Media statement by Gobind Singh Deo in Petaling Jaya on Wednesday, 9^th May 2012:

Call upon the AG to explain why it is no action has been taken against in the substitution case

I call upon the AG to explain why it is no action has been taken against anyone in the matter in which two daily newspapers allegedly substituted the word 'Scientology' with 'Islam' in an article involving an Australian Senator recently.

Needless to say, the substitution of the words was most serious in nature. It caused great embarrassment to Malaysia internationally.

And, more importantly, it caused severe damage to the Senator.

The article also to a great extent caused rife and dissatisfaction amongst Malaysians as it involved Islam, the official religion of the Federation.

The lack of action against those responsible is yet again another sign of weakness on part of the enforcement agencies and is unacceptable.

The law of this land makes it an offence for any printer, publisher, editor or writer to publish false news.

Section 8A of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 for example, makes any person guilty of such offence liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to a fine not exceeding 20,000 or to both.

There are also other provisions under the Penal Code which may be applicable.

It is therefore in the public interest that action be taken against those responsible. If the AG has made a decision not to take action, then I call upon him to explain in full his reasons for so deciding.

* Gobind Singh Deo, MP for Puchong