Cops to question Dong Zong, Yew Yin and Zakir, says Muhyiddin

PETALING JAYA: The police will be calling chinese educationist group Dong Zong, businessman Koon Yew Yin and controversial preacher Zakir Naik for questioning following police reports lodged against them.

Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said police will also call up several other individuals for questioning while keeping a few more under close watch.

"If there is enough evidence against them, they can be charged under Section 504 of the Penal Code.

"The police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are monitoring every statement made that could aggravate situations especially on social media, so please use the platform wisely, " he said in a statement Thursday (Aug 15).

Section 504 of the Penal Code deals with intentional insult with an intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

Muhyiddin said that departments under the Home Ministry will not hesitate to take action against anyone threatening the country's peace and harmony, including foreigners.

This comes after he noticed how some quarters had a tendency to spread fake news and issue racist statements without considering the sensitivities of others in a multiracial country like Malaysia.

"Everyone needs to stop making assumptions and wait for full reports from the authorities before commenting on an issue to avoid committing slander and spreading accusations, " he said.

He said anyone who comes across slanderous, racist and seditious postings on social media, should take a screen shot of them and send them to the official police social media accounts.

The police can be reached on social media via Facebook (PolisDirajaMalaysia), Instagram (pdrmsia_offical), Twitter (@PDRMsia) and Youtube (PDRMsia)