Editor of book that besmirched Jata Negara did not flee, been in Australia since January, say cops

KUALA LUMPUR: The editor of the book which allegedly besmirched Malaysia's Coat of Arms have been staying in Australia since January, says Deputy Comm Mior Faridalatrash Wahid (pic).

The Bukit Aman CID deputy director said the "Rebirth, Reformasi, Resistance and Hope" editor- Kean Wong - had celebrated Chinese New Year in Malaysia before returning to Australia after Jan 24.

"His lawyer Fahri Azzat informed us that Wong holds a permanent resident status in Australia for more than 10 years.

"An earlier report from a news agency that he had fled to Australia is not correct at all as he has been in Australia since January," he said when contacted on Tuesday (July 21).

The police through the CID is waiting for feedback from Wong through his lawyer in connection with the investigation on the book, he added.

"Checks on records of people leaving and entering the country confirmed that Wong left Malaysia in January.

"Notions that he fled the country to avoid the investigation is not true at all," DCP Mior Faridalatrash said.

Wong's lawyer is cooperating fully to assist the investigation, he added.

"We have recorded the statements of eight individuals connected to the book including the writer, graphic designer and the artist for the book's cover.

"We will get the views of two historical experts in the matter as well.

"We are still investigating the case and we will recommend to the Attorney General's Chambers to prosecute," he said.

The Bukit Aman CID's Special Investigation Unit has since seized more than 300 copies of the book.

Last month, the book has come under fire due to its cover which allegedly insulted the Coat of Arms.

Countless netizens have also called for action as the cover of the book insulted the Constitution and Rukun Negara.