Syed Saddiq to be questioned over interview critical of PM, PN

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has been summoned for questioning over an interview he gave back in March in which he was critical of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and the Perikatan Nasional government.

Contacted by Malaysiakini today, he said that Bukit Aman had informed him on June 13 that he is being investigated over his appearance on Al Jazeera’s UpFront programme on March 6.

He is scheduled to give his statement at 2pm today at the federal police headquarters.

“I will give my full cooperation to the police,” he said.

Bukit Aman CID deputy director (investigations/legal) Mior Faridalathrash Wahid confirmed the matter with Malaysiakini when contacted.

He also confirmed that Syed Saddiq is being probed under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Those found guilty on their first offence under Section 4(1) - which concerns words or involvement in publications deemed seditious - could face up to three years in jail, a RM5,000 fine, or both.

Those convicted of Section 233 - which involves improper use of network facilities or network service - could face up to one year in jail, an RM50,000 fine, or both.

They could be further fined RM1,000 for every day the offence is continued after conviction.

During the broadcasted interview, which was aired shortly after PN formed government, Syed Saddiq had expressed his disappointment in Muhyiddin for aligning himself with “kleptocrats” despite once vowing to challenge them.

He had also branded the new administration as an “illegitimate” and “backdoor” government.

Syed Saddiq is aligned with disputed Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is at odds with Bersatu president Muhyiddin.

The probe on the former youth and sports minister comes after police investigations into former water, land and natural resources minister Xavier Jayakumar and former women, family and community development deputy minister Hannah Yeoh. - Mkini