Historians to be roped in for comic book probe

KUALA LUMPUR: Historians will be roped in to assist in investigations into the controversial comic book on China’s Belt and Road Initiative, says Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Huzir Mohamed.

“Several historical experts have been identified. We will get their advice to check the facts published in the comic book.

“We will also check with the Home Ministry whether the publisher obtained the relevant permits to publish the comic,” he told a press conference in Bukit Aman yesterday.

So far, 46 police reports had been lodged in connection with the 164-page comic book, he added.

“We have also recorded several statements from various people, including the comic book artist, the publisher as well as Hew Kuan Yau.

“On Oct 21, we also visited the factory in Shah Alam which printed the comic book,” he said.

Investigators were also checking with the National Library whether the comic book was issued with an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), he said.

The case is classified under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, according to Comm Huzir.

“We have also seized all the comic books that were printed in three languages,” he added.

A few other witnesses will also be called up to assist in the investigations.