AGC aware of cartoonist's case, reiterates importance of racial, religious harmony
POSTED: 27 Apr 2013 1:30 PM
The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) says it is aware of the public's interest into cartoonist Leslie Chew’s case and reiterated that racial and religious harmony is vital to Singapore’s society.
SINGAPORE: The Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) said Saturday it is aware of the public's interest into cartoonist Leslie Chew’s case and reiterated that racial and religious harmony is vital to Singapore’s society.
It added that it would not be appropriate to comment specifically on the matter as investigations are ongoing.
A spokesperson however said that any action taken will depend on what is uncovered by investigations; where the statements or actions are heinous, a firm line will be taken.
Where comments are made in the heat of the moment, or by relatively immature persons who did not know better, a more nuanced response may follow.
The 37-year-old cartoonist was arrested 19 April for alleged sedition.
Police said that a member of the public had lodged a report about a series of cartoons deemed racially insensitive.
The cartoons had been circulating online.
The statement from the AGC said a response will follow when statements are made or actions are taken which insult a particular religion or race or seek to cause hatred among races or religious groups, or which suggest that the government is using race or religion for its own purposes.
Similarly, the AGC said the rule of law is another fundamental tenet of Singapore society and action will be taken in respect of any statement or action that seeks to impugn or undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Unwarranted allegations of bias or partiality strike at the heart of the judicial process, threatening the very institution that protects the rights of all Singaporeans, it added, saying that unfounded statements cannot be left to stand unchallenged and unpunished.
- CNA/jc
- wong chee tat :)
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