Editor of controversial ‘Jata Negara’ book no longer in Malaysia

The book sparked controversy due to its cover that featured a modified image of the national coat of arms. (Twitter pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The editor of the controversial book titled “Rebirth: Reformasi, Resistance, And Hope in New Malaysia”, with a cover that was allegedly demeaning to the country’s coat of arms, or “Jata Negara”, left the country in January.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamed said a police check found that the man, a Malaysian, had left the country on Jan 21.

“He (the editor) has left Malaysia but we cannot confirm his whereabouts. Police have listed him as a ‘wanted person’ and he will be arrested when found,” he told Bernama here today.

Huzir said Bukit Aman will collaborate with Interpol and will issue a red notice if the suspect is detected in any country.

To date, he said police have recorded statements from eight out of the 28 authors who contributed their articles to the book. Efforts are being done to track down the rest of them.

“The CID will also request assistance from the Special Branch if the articles contributed by the 28 authors are found to have elements of threats to national security,” he said, adding 203 police reports had been lodged on the book.

The case is being investigated under Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Preventing Unlawful Use) (Amendment) Act 2016, Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 8 (1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The book, edited by Kean Wong and published by the Strategic Information and Research Development Centre, sparked controversy when its cover featured a modified image of the national coat of arms. - FMT