POLICE and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have been urged to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into a viral theatre performance which allegedly contained elements insulting the royal institution.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said appropriate action should be taken if any laws had been breached, with investigators urged to consider all relevant provisions, including the Penal Code, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Sedition Act 1948 and other applicable laws.
He said the firm approach was necessary to reinforce that the freedom enjoyed by Malaysians comes with a responsibility to respect the law, national institutions and social harmony.
"Rukun Negara is not merely a pledge recited at official functions. Rukun Negara is the national ideology and philosophy, as well as a guide in building a united nation.
"The matter was proclaimed on Aug 31, 1970, with the main objective of forging strong unity among Malaysians," he said in a statement shared on Facebook on Friday.
A video of the performance uploaded on Instagram by The Fever Kinetic Theatre had earlier gone viral, with Aaron describing its content as irresponsible, excessive and unacceptable.
He said freedom of artistic expression and speech should not be used as an excuse to belittle national institutions, provoke the public or engage in conduct that could threaten social harmony.
"There is no room for any party to make a mockery of matters concerning the royal institution, national sovereignty and the foundations that shape life in our country.
"Malaysia is a country practising Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy, with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as Head of State," he said.
Aaron also urged all parties, including artists, content creators and social media users, to exercise the freedom available to them responsibly.
Separately, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the performance amounted to a breach of proper conduct and a social wrong that could damage harmony in Malaysia's plural society.
He said the organisers should issue a public apology, while the authorities and relevant agencies should conduct a comprehensive investigation and take firm legal action without compromise against anyone found to have insulted the country's foundations.
"The arts should educate the soul and unite the people, not divide them. Stop exploiting noble values for cheap popularity, and return to building the nation based on truth, proper conduct and strong moral and religious values," he said. - September 19, 2026
