Bukit Aman opens probe into videos by Rohingya men

Bukit Aman has opened an investigation into a Facebook live video which showed several Rohingya men uttering offensive words towards the Malays in Malaysia, and another footage of the group engaged in firearms training purportedly to be used against those who threaten their safety.

According to federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed (above), the Facebook live video involved three Rohingya men who used to live in Malaysia and now residing in Wisconsin, US.

He said an investigation revealed that the three men had explained in the video that they were actually expressing anger towards a Rohingya NGO leader in Malaysia and not the Malays.

"The three men said that the Malays had been making provocations by issuing comments that degrade the Rohingya. Towards the end of the video, they explained that their anger was actually for Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organisation Malaysia (Merhrom) Zafar Ahmad whom they accuse of trying to be a Malay, and not meant for the Malays per se.

"Besides this, they have also uploaded a video of them training to shoot firearms as preparation for self-defence.

"This was the initial attempt by this group to express their anger and dissatisfaction towards Zafar, as they say the comments by the Merhrom president does not represent the voice of the Rohingya who live in Malaysia," Huzir said in a statement today.

However, Huzir added, the men's Facebook live had sparked arguments between them and a group of Malays on the social media platform which has since led to the exchange of rude comments, insults and threats.

This was followed by the other video, which started with two men, believed to be Rohingya, practising shooting a pistol at a place called Milwaukee-Jackson Park.

"Three men in the video then spoke about them being ready to retaliate using firearms if their safety is threatened. They also verbally issued a threat saying that the Malays had been making rude comments on their Facebook and insulting the Rohingya people.

"The video ended with the three men saying that their anger and the shooting practice was aimed at Zafar, besides as preparation to face Myanmar authorities.

"They also said that the Rohingya in the US have much more freedom and are being treated fairly compared to those who live in Malaysia," said Huzir.

Police have received a total of 19 reports on the videos so far, and they are conducting an investigation into the matter under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act for insulting behavior, Section 506 of the Penal Code (criminal threats), and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for abuse of communication services.

He also urges members of the public to stop any speculation on ongoing investigations of the issue, and not to upload or share anything related to it that can create public tension and disrupt harmony.

"Any form of statement that has a tendency to incite hatred and can create public alarm would be dealt with sternly," he said. - Mkini