MCA calls for action to be taken against Hong Kong actress Grace Lam

PETALING JAYA: MCA has strongly condemned Hong Kong actress Grace Lam and called for action to be taken against her after it appeared that a video of her being robbed in Bentong was staged.

"As a public figure, she has shown a bad example by purposefully lying to the people. By doing so, she has caused the image and reputation of Bentong and Malaysia to be tarnished," the party's presidential council said in a statement on Monday.

"All relevant enforcement authorities must conduct a thorough investigation, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), to stem the continuing spreading of unfounded rumours on social media.

"The Immigration Department, which has the authority to probe under the Immigration Act, should deliberate as to whether to bar Grace Lam’s entry or not.

"The Royal Malaysian Police should likewise investigate her for criminal defamation and so on," the statement said.

The council said that the investigation and action to be taken against Lam will prevent the spreading of fake news in society, to maintain the country’s image and social harmony.

The party also urged the public to remain vigilant against fake news.

Earlier, party president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai expressed support for the move proposed by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to list Lam as an unwelcome individual.

Liow, who is Transport Minister and Bentong MP, said blacklisting Lam would be the "correct move to make" as creating fake news would leave the impression that Malaysia is unsafe.

He also called for Lam to come forward and explain her actions.

On Saturday, Lam was using the live streaming function on Facebook in Bentong when a man suddenly snatched her handbag.

She allegedly told a Hong Kong newspaper that her manager and a local friend gave chase and retrieved her belongings.

However, she later apologised on her Facebook, saying the incident was a “misunderstanding” but did not clarify further.

Local Chinese dailies reported that Khalid said the police would suggest that Lam to be put under the “not welcome list” to stop her from entering Malaysia.

He said that the police would not investigate Lam for now, but she must clarify that the video was staged.