Police to question Mat Sabu

Start reading history books, deputy IGP tells him

(NST) -- Pas deputy president Mohamad Sabu will soon be called to give his statement over his alleged remarks that communist terrorists who attacked the Bukit Kepong police station in 1950 were the country’s true heroes.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Abu Bakar said police had received at least 43 reports against the opposition politician’s speech and were investigating the case under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for making a statement that could cause alarm to the public.

“Police are expecting to record his statement soon to facilitate investigations,” he told the New Straits Times yesterday.

Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, had allegedly made the remarks at a political ceramah in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, on Aug 21.

Khalid said he would like to advise Mohamad to start reading history books before issuing such statements.

“It has not only angered members of the country’s security forces but also hurt the feelings of the families of the 16 Bukit Kepong policemen who were killed in the incident.

“Do not simply say things without understanding the real story behind it.”

It was reported in a Malay daily that Mohamad had allegedly said Muhammad Indera, who helped the communists in the attack, was the real hero and not the 25 policemen and their family members who defended the station as they were “British officers”.

Mohamad had also allegedly said Datuk Onn Jaafar and Tunku Abdul Rahman should not be hailed as icons of the nation’s independence as they were officers for the British administration then.

He had apparently vowed to rewrite the history of the country’s independence if the opposition succeeded in taking over the government.

In Ipoh, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said Mohamad’s alleged remarks were an attempt to divert the people’s attention from the opposition’s internal issues and conflicts.

“Apart from the issues faced by Pas and Pakatan Rakyat, it is also to ensure that the ongoing sodomy trial of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is given less importance.

“Stating that Tunku and Onn were British officers is an insult, not only to them and their families, but also to all Malaysians.

“They are the founding fathers of the country who fought for independence. If we go by Mohamad’s analysis, then we should welcome Chin Peng back into the country as he is a bigger hero.”

Chin Peng, the former leader of the Communist Party of Malaya, is living in exile in Thailand. He lost his legal appeal to return to Malaysia.

“I do not know on what grounds the statement was made, but I am sure that the opposition will continue to make similar statements and stir up controversies to cover up their weaknesses,” said Dr Chua, adding that leaders and the security forces who died defending the country were the real heroes.

Meanwhile, Pas vice-president Salahuddin Ayub said the party would review the video recordings of the Aug 21 ceramah by Mohamad before taking any action. However, this would only be done after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, he added.

“We need to know the context of his speech first before deciding on the next course of action.”

Salahuddin insisted that Pas was against any form of violence by communist insurgents.