3,000 police investigation papers related to 3R issues

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

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

Authorities, he added, will also probe any such reports if there were elements related to the offences under existing provisions such as the Sedition Act 1948, and 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 IP 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 that are deemed racially divisive made by political and community leaders.

According to the Home Minister, from the total number of cases, 306 IP (10%) were related to royal institutions, 127 (4%) involved racial issues, while 241 (8%) were related to religion.

“Some 442 IP (14%) were related to the administration of justice, while the remaining 1,979 (64%) had touched on other matters,” added Saifuddin Nasution.

The police have previously denied claims that it is practising selective investigation over 3R cases.

He had said in Parliament on Oct 23 that the IP included cases involving MPs from both sides of the divide.