Shah Alam Bersatu deputy chief Dr Afif Bahardin has condemned PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil for involving the police against PN’s Padang Serai candidate Azman Nasrudin for allegedly saying that the new government is “kerajaan zina” (adulterous government).
"Harapan's threat to take police action over a statement against Azman goes completely against its repeated promise that they will defend freedom of speech.
"In their GE-15 election manifesto, Harapan specifically promised to abolish draconian laws that restrict freedom of speech and promise to ‘defend democracy and promote free speech.’
"Demanding that the police investigate Azman is a direct contravention of Harapan’s claim to be a champion of democracy," said Afif (above).
Fahmi had called for Azman to be investigated by the authorities for his “rude and disrespectful” statements towards the royal institution.
Similarly, BN's Padang Serai candidate C Sivarraajh said he viewed his PN opponent’s statement as an insult to the royal institution.
Afif said that there were no criminal elements in what Azman had said.
"It was political criticism of the new BN-Harapan coalition and it was a fair comment. Any use of police powers to investigate political rivals of Harapan over such criticism is an abuse of police powers.
"Fahmi and Harapan are now acting exactly like how BN used to act when in power by threatening police investigations whenever they are criticised by opposition politicians.
"In stark contrast, PN when in power did not resort to police against Harapan politicians who repeatedly insulted the government by branding it backdoor government or kerajaan gagal as well as many other insulting terms," said Afif who was twice elected as Seberang Jaya state assemblyperson under the PKR banner but left the party post the Sheraton Move.
"We demand that Harapan and Fahmi withdraw the threat to invoke police powers against Azman, which is in breach of freedom of speech and election laws," he added. - Mkini
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