Bukit Aman confirms probe into Lim Guan Eng's speech

PETALING JAYA: Investigations into a speech made by former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng have started, Bukit Aman says.

In a statement Sunday (July 9), Bukit Aman Cid deputy director (forensics/strategic planning) Deputy Comm Datuk Suresh Kumar G. Suppiah said that the police confirmed receiving multiple reports made against Guan Eng following his speech claiming that a "green wave" would destroy temples.

"The statement was believed to have been made in a speech during the 'Tian Fu Gong Bai Long Wang Singapore-Malaysia Tour 2023' event in Jelutong, Penang on July 7," he said.

He added that the Special Investigation Unit (USJT) was investigating the matter.

Investigations were being conducted under the Sedition Act, Penal Code and Communications and Multimedia Act for committing an act that has a seditious tendency, statements that led to public alarm and distress for improper use of network facilities.

"Investigations are ongoing and the public are urged to not speculate on that matter as it could bring about disruptions to the investigation process. Strict action will be taken on all parties that act to disrupt national harmony and security," he said.

A Chinese daily (China Press) recently quoted the former chief minister as saying that a 'Green Wave' would destroy Buddhist temples.

The speech was made in Mandarin and Guan Eng had since disputed the news report that originally quoted him as saying so.

He added that he was referring to a prior case in 2020 in Kedah regarding the demolition of a Hindu temple.

"It has never crossed my mind to use 3R (ruler, race, religion) issues to garner votes as I am certain that doing so will only disrupt the harmony amongst the various races and religions in this county," he said on his Facebook page on Saturday (July 8).

In a statement published on Sunday, the China Press said that after "re-listening" to the recording of Lim's speech, it had amended a passage, saying Lim had referred to "Hindu temples" and not "Buddhist temples".