Police report lodged against Rais Yatim for alleged sedition

Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim. -filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: A police report has been lodged against Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim for alleged sedition over a tweet he posted on the declaration of a state of emergency.

The report was lodged by Rahman Mohamad Saleh, an aide to Sungai Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu of the DAP, at the Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi police station on Thursday (Oct 29).

The report accuses Rais of questioning the decree and wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers.

The tweet, which was posted on Oct 26, goes: "Baik sekali hebahan nasihat Tuanku YDA ini. Cuma satu perkara amat penting dari segi Per 40(1A) Perlembagaan telah tercabul. Kenapa Peguam Negara tidak menimbulkan bahawa peruntukan mandatori Per 40 telah dketepikan? Ini kan tonggak Raja Berpelembagaan?".

Translated, Rais expressed his appreciation for the King’s advice that everyone should put aside their political differences and deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, but suggested that the King’s decree had violated Article 40(1A) which stated that the Agong had to act on the advice of the executive.

"Why didn't the Attorney General explain that there is a mandatory requirement under Article 40 that has been cast aside?” said Rais in his tweet.

In a copy of the report obtained by The Star, Rahman said that as a Malaysian who supports the Constitutional Monarchy, he felt that Rais was questioning the decision and wisdom of the King and other Malay Rulers.

When contacted Sepang OCPD Asst Comm Wan Kamarul Azran Wan Yusof confirmed the case, adding that it has been referred to Bukit Aman for further action.

The Star has reached out to Liu for comments.

On Oct 28, Liu was arrested for allegedly insulting the King in a Facebook post. He was released on police bail after four hours of questioning.