Lawyers question Swatch raid's compliance with Printing Presses and Publication Act

SHAH ALAM - Former president of the Malaysian Bar Salim Bashir has questioned if the inclusion of symbols engraved or imprinted on items fall within the provisions outlined in the Section 4 of the Printing Presses and Publication Act (PPPA).

This comes after the Home Ministry recent raids on Swatch's 'Pride Collection' watches nationwide.

Salim said the ambiguity warrants further examination and clarification.

"And as to whether it is necessary to include prohibitions in the schedules under Section 7 of the PPPA and formally announce the prohibition of specific symbols, colours or decorations through gazette notifications before any enforcement actions can be taken," he said.

Lawyer Dinesh Muthal has criticised the recent raid, stating that it represents an unconstitutional expansion of the Act based on mere presumptions. He said the raid goes beyond the intended purpose of the Act and raises concerns about its constitutionality.

"Going on a full raid against a renowned international company with vague and ice thin clarity puts us on international embarrassment.

"Not when then current Government is trying so had to get back investors into the country, such raid may truly reduce the confidence of foreign business to our country," he said.

It was reported that Swatch will be take legal actions against confiscated rainbow coloured watches.

The watches were part of the Swiss watchmaker's 'Pride Collection,' which aimed to promote the values of equality and diversity associated with the pride movement, Reuters reported.

The company further said that it would take legal action to recover the watches, said Reuters, quoting Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger.

Eventhought, LGBT have been legalised in a number of countries, it is still illegal in some countries especially Malaysia.

LGBT is still a taboo as it go against the Islamic criminal and famly laws applicable to Muslims.