Zaid asks for police protection from Jamal

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (pix) has sought the protection of Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun following the recent statement by Datuk Jamal Yunos.

Earlier Friday (Dec 8), the Sungai Besar Umno division chief said he would “hunt down” the former de facto law minister if Zaid is not arrested for allegedly insulting the Selangor Sultan.

Jamal had brought two cutouts of Zaid and sledgehammers to the Putra World Trade Centre where the Umno General Assembly is taking place.

Jamal said that if there is no action from the authorities by Saturday (Dec 9), the hammer would “visit” Zaid’s head.

On Wednesday (Dec 6), Jamal had burnt two effigies resembling Zaid in a show of protest.

In a tweet on Friday afternoon, Zaid expressed his worries for his safety and that of his family.

“Jamal has committed acts which many would consider criminal, yet he is free to do more of the same. In fact, he has upped the ante, he wants to smash my head," said Zaid.

“I hope the police can give people of this country comfort that they will get protection from people like Jamal. I too need that protection,” he added.

He had also tweeted via his @zaidibrahim Twitter handle his hope that the “gentlemanly IGP” would be able to ensure his safety and that of his family.

Zaid had tweeted on Monday (Dec 4) that Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah should be “careful” with his words and that everyone would be affected if "the country burns".

His tweets are believed to have been in response to the Sultan's statements in an exclusive interview with The Star, where the Selangor Ruler warned that the deliberate use of sensitive issues to fish for votes in the general election would destroy the country.

Zaid is being investigated under the Sedition Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act.