Patriot lodges police report over fake news targeting president

Patriot has lodged a police report over fake news targeting its president Mohamed Arshad Raji.

It said the fake news was in the form of an image created using a website that allows users to create their own "breaking news", which alleged that Arshad (above) had "seru rakyat tolak bantuan" (urged the people to reject aid).

Patriot communications director Wong Ang Peng said the image had been widely spread on social media yesterday, prompting the police report.

"Police have assured that an investigation will be carried out. If the source or cause is determined we will not hesitate to take legal action," Wong said in a statement today.

The fake news against Arshad came two days after he issued a statement urging the government to be clear on the source of funds for its RM250 billion stimulus package.

"There is no denying that an economic stimulus package is necessary at this juncture of the economic downturn, which has been made more critical by the pandemic.

"But the source of funds must be clearly planned and announced. It must not cause too much of a future burden to our people and nation," Arshad had said.

He also expressed concern that if the disbursement of the funds was not executed well it could lead to major economic leakage.

Wong said Patriot's statement on the economic stimulus was clear and honest about the weaknesses that exist in the stimulus package.

As such, he said those who manipulate the statement to incite the people against Patriot, are cowards. - Mkini