Teresa summoned to MCMC, info extracted from phone

 

DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok was summoned to the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) headquarters in Putrajaya this afternoon.

This is in relation to her remarks on the halal certification issue, which is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia (CMA) Act 1998 for the “improper use of network facilities and network service”.

Malaysiakini learned that MCMC officers extracted the relevant information from her mobile phone to facilitate investigations.

In a text message later, Kok said: "Just completed forensic investigation at MCMC. It went well."

Yesterday, the police, which are investigating the same case under Section 298 and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, recorded the Seputeh MP’s statement.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain, who classified the case as 3R (race, religion and royalty), revealed that a total of 50 police reports were lodged against Kok.

Section 298 states: “Whoever, with deliberate intention of wounding the religious feelings of any person, utters any word or makes any sound in the hearing of that person, or makes any gesture in the sight of that person, or places any object in the sight of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or a fine or both.”

Whereas Section 505(b) reads: “With intent to cause, or which is likely to cause, fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public whereby any person may be induced to commit an offence against the state or against the public tranquillity.”

Controversy

The proposal was first announced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na’im Mokhtar

Kok criticised the mandatory halal certificate proposal as it would impede many businesses including Muslim-owned eateries.

This sparked fiery reactions particularly from Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal saying that Kok had crossed the line by interfering in Muslim affairs.

Three days ago, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that Kok's statement did not represent Pakatan Harapan’s view on the matter and he advised other political leaders to present suggestions or concerns about a matter in meetings so it could be thoroughly examined.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil today said that Na’im will present the findings of a study on the mandatory halal certification proposal to the cabinet next week. - Mkini