27 Apr 2013 1:30 PM
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
