PEKAN, Oct 25 — The government will not hesitate to take stringent action against any individual who ridicules the Royal Institution and the Malay rulers on the social media.

Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Jailani Johari said the action was necessary as a lesson because, since lately, some individuals liked to upload such statements on their social sites without thinking of the implication.

"The Communications and Multimedia Commission can take appropriate action because there is a provision to do so with the co-operation of other authorities such as the police.

"Safeguarding the sovereignty of the Royal Institution is enshrined in the national constitution. It is also part of the identity of the nation and the Malay race,” he told reporters after an investiture ceremony in conjunction with the birthday of the Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah at Istana Abu Bakar here yesterday.

Jailani headed a list of 100 recipients for the Darjah Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP) which carries the title "Datuk Seri” from the Regent of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.   

He went to say that safeguarding the nobleness of the Royal Institution was also stressed by Tengku Abdullah in his speech, who wanted the people to be confident in the significance of the Royal Institution.

"Tengku Abdullah himself stated that the Royal Institution has its value and interest to protect the people so that national sovereignty remains preserved,” he said.

On the award, Jailani regarded it as an appreciation from the Sultan of Pahang and Tengku Abdullah not only to him alone but to the leadership of the federal government.

Jailani, who also expressed his thanks for the award, also prayed for the Sultan of Pahang to remain in good health. — Bernama