PUTRAJAYA: The Community Communications Department lodged a police report against activist Albert Tei over allegations that he had disrupted operations at the Communications Ministry through a series of gatherings held since last month.
The department’s director-general, Mohd Hisyamuddin Ghazali, said the report was lodged on Thursday (June 11) after the individual allegedly staged several gatherings in front of the ministry building, affecting the smooth conduct of duties by civil servants.
"The police report was lodged as he had already gathered four times in front of Menara Komunikasi. Holding gatherings there sends a negative signal, particularly as it disrupts thousands of civil servants who work there and use the entrance," he told reporters after lodging the report at the Putrajaya District Police Headquarters here on Thursday.
He said the report was made under several legal provisions, including Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties, Section 504 of the Penal Code relating to intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 concerning alleged insults against public servants.
In addition, he said the department would also lodge a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on Thursday regarding the alleged misuse of communication networks for the purpose of harassment and provocation.
He said the report to MCMC would involve Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which concerns the improper use of network facilities or network services to harass or provoke others.
Mohd Hisyamuddin said the move was intended to enable a fair investigation by the relevant authorities.
"We are asking the police to conduct an investigation. If there is an offence, take action, and if not, let the investigation determine the outcome," he said.
Previously, Albert Tei and a group of content creators launched a protest by staging a sit-in at the lobby area of the Communications Ministry following allegations that the businessman's TikTok account had been restricted.
The group claimed that the restriction was imposed unfairly and demanded an explanation regarding the action taken against the social media account.
Commenting on the allegation that Albert Tei's account had been restricted, Mohd Hisyamuddin said each platform has its own guidelines and procedures that users must comply with.
"If the account does not pass the platform's requirements, do not immediately blame the ministry or the MCMC. The matter must be investigated first," he said. – Bernama
