MCMC takes statement from PAS rep over post on royal stage incident

The commission says the claim that a Chinese woman stormed the stage during the National Day celebration in Perak is false and risks stirring racial tension.

Manjoi assemblyman Hafez Sabri (in black) giving his statement at the Bukit Aman police headquarters on Tuesday. (MCMC pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recorded a statement from PAS’s Manjoi assemblyman Hafez Sabri over a social media post on a security breach involving Sultan Nazrin Shah at the Perak state-level National Day celebration.

MCMC described the post as false and racially charged, saying it alleged that the woman who climbed the stage during the Aug 31 event was Chinese.

“As confirmed by Bukit Aman’s criminal investigation department director, this allegation is untrue and has the potential to stir racial tension and create negative perceptions among the public,” it said in a statement today.

MCMC said Hafez’s statement was taken at the Bukit Aman police headquarters yesterday, in cooperation with the police.

It added that the case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum fine of RM500,000, up to two years in jail, or both, upon conviction.

“MCMC stressed that the spread of false, racially charged content is a serious offence that threatens harmony and public order.

“The public is reminded to always verify the authenticity of information before creating or sharing any content on social media,” it said.

Police had clarified that the woman who rushed onto the stage and ran towards Sultan Nazrin was a 41-year-old Malay woman with a history of receiving psychiatric treatment.

She was detained after entering the stage from the side while the Perak anthem was being played.

Ipoh police chief Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the woman had been remanded until Wednesday, and that the case was being investigated for attempted grievous hurt under Section 325/511 of the Penal Code.

Hafez had deleted and apologised for his post, but claimed it was manipulated by “irresponsible parties” who circulated a screenshot before he corrected it within minutes.

DAP Youth wings in Penang and Negeri Sembilan later filed police reports against Hafez over the posting. - FMT