Home minister defends Swatch raids, citing public complaints

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has defended recent enforcement actions carried out without the seized items being officially banned, citing public complaints and provisions under the Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984.

Asked for comments on lawyer New Sin Yew's argument that the Home Ministry had illegally raided and seized Swatch products celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, Saifuddin said: "No (issue). We have a clear source of power."

"The relevant law. The law (PPPA) is under the purview of (Home Ministry's) enforcement and...