Zahid: Twisting Guan Eng's words a form of character assassination

PETALING JAYA: The mistranslated news report which manipulated DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng's statement is an attempt at character assassination, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

A report translated from a Chinese daily claimed Lim said a “green wave” in Penang would destroy Buddhist temples and non-Muslims would be restricted from carrying out certain practices.

ALSO READ: Bukit Aman confirms probe into Lim Guan Eng's speech

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid referred to Lim's comment on the issue that his statement, made during the Tian Fu Gong Bai Long Wang Singapore-Malaysia Tour 2023 event in Jelutong, Penang on Friday (July 7), had been twisted and manipulated.

His original statement referred to a prior case in Kedah in 2020 involving the demolition of a Hindu temple.

"As I said before, we should deal with political differences with good ethics and morals and refrain from committing character assassination against anyone because it can ignite social disharmony among the public," Ahmad Zahid said in a Facebook statement on Monday (July 10).

"In any case, the police are investigating Lim's statement and I believe he will fully cooperate with them and answer their questions," he added.

ALSO READ: PAS wants probe into DAP chairman’s alleged offensive remarks

The Barisan chairman and Umno president advised people to avoid making baseless accusations against one another and let authorities handle the issue.

Meanwhile, Bukit Aman deputy CID director (forensics and strategic planning) Deputy Comm Datuk Suresh Kumar G Suppiah said police are investigating the matter.

The case is being probed under the Sedition Act 1948 for committing an act that has a seditious tendency; the Penal Code for statements that could lead to public alarm and distress; and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.