Police to question Zahid, Waytha over racial and religious remarks

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department P Waythamoorthy are among nine individuals to be summoned by police to facilitate investigation into their remarks which police believe have incited racial and religious tension.

This was revealed by deputy inspector-general of police Noor Rashid Ibrahim in a special press conference at Bukit Aman today.

He added that this is after more than 160 police reports in total were made about the individuals.

Apart from Zahid and Waythamoorthy, the individuals to be questioned are Jaringan Melayu Malaysia president Azwanddin Hamzah, political blogger and Gabungan 3 president Ragvinder Singh@Reggie Jessy, Gabungan 3 deputy president Amran Ahmad Nor, Tanah Rata assemblyperson Chiong Yoke Kong and Tras assemblyperson Chow Yu Hui.

Police will also summon the man who insulted a beer promoter, Muhamad Edi Mohamad@Edi Rejang, as well as one Lau Shan Thean.

It is learned that Lau is the man behind a video, which has made its rounds on social media, challenging Edi Rejang for confrontation.

While Noor Rashid didn't mention any specific issue that had triggered the investigation, it is believed that Icerd is one of the issues involved, based on the names summoned.

Noor Rashid said police will carry out their probe under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, Section 505 of the Penal Code for making statements that can cause fear and concern to the public and Section 506 for criminal intimidation.

"Police found that lately, there have been many issues and sentiments pertaining to race and religion which have gone viral on social media. We are concerned about these sensitive issues which have been posted.

"If not contained, they have the potential to disrupt the peace and the safety of the country," he said.

On the protest against the ratification of Icerd jointly organised by opposition parties PAS and Umno and to be held in the city centre on Dec 8, Noor Rashid said police have received a notice on the event from the organisers.

"They have sent a notice to us and we're going to call and interview them. While the rally is to voice out whatever their opinions are, they have to make sure they abide by the law and conduct the rally in a peaceful manner," he said.

The organisers will be held accountable if there are any untoward incidents during the protest, he added. - Mkini