Cops opened more than 3,000 IPs into 3R reports from 2020 to August, says Home Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have opened more than 3,000 investigation papers (IP) related to 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues on social media between 2020 and August this year, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

In a Parliamentary written reply, the Home Minister said the police remain committed to monitor issues related to 3R and will conduct investigations if police reports were lodged.

Authorities, he added, will also probe any such reports if there were elements related to the offences under any existing provisions such as the Sedition Act 1948, Penal Code, among others, to prevent these actions from being repeated and disrupting public order and peace.

"Starting from the year 2020 to August 2023, a total of 3,095 IPs have been opened regarding such actions on social media," he said in reply to a question from Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang), who asked the ministry to reveal the latest statistics and cases regarding the remarks involving slander and that are deemed racially divisive made by political and community leaders.

According to the Home Minister, of the total number of cases, 306 investigation papers (10%) are related to the Royal institutions, 127 investigation papers (4%) involve racial issues, while 241 investigation papers (8%) concern religion.

"Some 442 investigation papers (14%) were related to the administration of justice, while the remaining 1,979 investigation papers (64%) had touched on other matters," added Saifuddin.

The police have previously denied claims of selective investigations over 3R cases.

These IPs, Saifuddin had said in Parliament on Oct 23, included cases involving MPs from both sides of the divide.