IGP: Accept democratic process, and no rallies please

KUALA LUMPUR: All parties should accept the democratic process without resorting to any provocative action during the transition in the government’s leadership, says Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

The Inspector-General of Police, who congratulated Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on becoming the country’s 10th Prime Minister, said stern action would be taken against any irresponsible party who resorted to provocation as well as those who raised racial or religious issues.

“We urge the people not to organise any rally or procession connected to politics in open areas, for the sake of public order and safety.

Social media users are also advised to refrain from posting anything that could cause public concern,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The police remained committed to safeguarding the country for the benefit of all Malaysians, he said.

“We will ensure that the level of security and public order is preserved under the administration of the new Prime Minister,” he said.

Meanwhile, cops are clamping down on those who spread offensive messages that threaten to disrupt public order.

A 39-year-old man was detained in Kuala Lumpur over an offensive tweet that could incite tension among the races in the country.

The police secretary Deputy Comm Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said the suspect, with the Twitter handle Zulfadzli@Bumilangit, was detained on Wednesday.

“The case is being investigated by the Bukit Aman CID Special Investigation Unit under Section 491 of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998,” she said in a statement.

The suspect has been remanded until Saturday, she added.

In another case, “Superman Hew” was arrested over a speech that allegedly contained elements that could disturb public order.

According to Pahang police chief Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, on Nov 17, police investigated a video of a ceramah held in Raub Perdana, Raub, where Hew was giving a speech in Cantonese.

“Part of the video has been spread on mass media and social media and has received negative reaction from the public,” said Comm Ramli in a statement.

He said that on Wednesday, the Pahang CID, with assistance from the Bukit Aman CID, arrested the 52-year-old Hew in Puchong Jaya, Selangor.

“Investigations are being carried out under Section 4A of the Election Offences Act 1954 for promoting feelings of ill-will or hostility as well as under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for making statements that can cause public alarm,” said Comm Ramli.

Hew was also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities, he added.

He was also being investigated under the same section, according to Comm Ramli, for a separate speech given on Nov 18 at a political ceramah in Taman Pandan Mawar, Melaka.

He said police would apply for remand, and Hew would be detained at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters while his statements were being recorded.

In another incident, it was reported that a 35-year-old man was detained over an Instagram post that threatened to kill the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in connection with the appointment of the next prime minister.

According to Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed, the Instagram post also called for a protest against the king’s power to appoint the next prime minister.

“We detained the suspect at about 10.30pm in Kajang on Tuesday.

He has been remanded until Friday,” he said when contacted.

The case is classified under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998, he said.

“We advise the people to always abide by the laws.

They should also cherish the principles of the Rukun Negara to preserve the unity and harmony among people of various races and religions in the country,” he said.

Comm Arjunaidi has warned that the police will not compromise in taking action against anyone who threatens public order and safety.

“Serious action will be taken against the culprits,” he said.