Cops confirm 3R investigation over Muhyiddin's speech

GEORGE TOWN: The police have confirmed that they are investigating if former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin touched on a 3R (race, religion and royalty) issue during a ceramah recently.

The police's Penang 15th state election media spokesperson Senior Asst Commissioner W. Puspanathan said the Bukit Aman CID Special Investigation Unit was investigating the talk given by Muhyiddin on Sunday (July 30), which was also reported in a news portal.

He said a police report was made over the matter on Monday (July 31).

"The complainant felt that his speech touched on 3R issues.

"This case is being investigated under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998," he said in a statement on Friday (Aug 4).

He then shared that in total, Penang police had received eight reports related to the state election, six of which involved damage caused to party flags and banners.

He said another case was related to defamation of an independent candidate via social media, which was being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 as well.

"So far, there have been no arrests over the vandalism of flags and banners.

"Four were reported to have occurred in central Seberang Prai and one each in north Seberang Prai and the north-west," he said.

ACP Puspanathan also said from July 29 to Aug 3, that they had approved 518 ceramah permits without rejecting any application.

He also expressed thanks to political parties, their supporters and the public for cooperating with the police.

"We hope that this continues until the end of the state elections to ensure no undesirable incidents occur.

"There are seven more days left before the polls on Aug 12.

"All parties are urged not to touch on 3R issues nor cause provocation during campaigning.

"This includes damaging election materials such as banners, posters and party flags," he said.

He warned that action would be taken against any political party or individual who breaks the law, regardless of their status.