Cops quiz MCA Youth chief over post on data collection
KUALA LUMPUR: Pahang MCA Youth chief Wong Siew Mun is under police investigation for allegedly causing public alarm and misusing network facilities following her comments on the government’s collection of mobile phone data.
Her lawyer Kamarudin Ahmad said police revealed that the investigation is being carried out under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Wong arrived at Bukit Aman at about 10.45am yesterday, accompanied by a legal team led by Kamarudin and about 20 MCA Youth members.
She met with investigators shortly after and spent about two hours giving her statement.
Wong was summoned by police after posting a video on TikTok on June 6 questioning the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) move to collect mobile phone data from telecommunications companies.
The MCMC reportedly said the data, which included IP call records and geolocation coordinates, would be anonymised and used to support policymaking in the ICT and tourism sectors.
In solidarity: Wong (front row, fourth from left) arriving at Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur. With her in the front row are (from second left) Chan, Kamarudin, Low and Tan. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
The commission stressed that no individual user could be identified through the data collected.
“The video I posted was based on factual reports by mainstream media and official statements from a minister and a government agency confirming the data collection,” Wong told reporters before entering Bukit Aman.
“I was merely voicing public concerns, with no intention of inciting unrest or disrupting public order. When the public voices its grievances, the government should look into its own weaknesses and enhance its policies, not find ways to silence us,” she added.
Kamarudin called on MCMC to withdraw its police report and cease the investigation.
Wong later revealed that police were investigating two videos she had uploaded on the same issue.
Both Wong and Kamarudin also commended the police for their professionalism throughout the process.
Also present at Bukit Aman were MCA publicity bureau chairman Chan Quin Er, her deputy Ivone Low and Selangor MCA Youth chief Tan Jie Sen.
Meanwhile, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the party stood firmly behind Wong and would provide legal assistance in her efforts to defend the people’s right to freedom of expression.
Dr Wee said on Facebook that Wong’s comments were based on a report published by the South China Morning Post.
