Cops wrap up probe of Umno leader over 'joke'; PKR Youth backs Anwar on Rohingya

 

Catholic 'joke'

Police have completed investigations into Sepang Umno chief Noorazli Said over his speech at the Umno general assembly, which touched on a controversial joke involving a Catholic priest and nun.

In a statement early this morning, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar said the probe was conducted under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Section 298 covers words, sounds, or gestures intended to wound another person’s religious feelings, while Section 233 concerns the improper use of network facilities or services.

Kumar said police received 86 reports and recorded statements from 93 witnesses, including members of the public, organisers, and Umno delegates, including Noorazli.

The investigation papers will be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers today for further directions and advice.

Refugee crisis

PKR Youth has defended Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s handling of the Rohingya refugee crisis, rejecting claims that the government’s repatriation efforts are “embarrassing, immoral, and tarnishing the country’s image”.

In a statement apparently responding to criticism from human rights lawyer Latheefa Koya yesterday, its deputy chief Dr Taufiq Johari said such criticism failed to account for domestic security concerns and the complexities of regional diplomacy.

He also rejected claims that Anwar was blaming previous administrations for political mileage, saying past humanitarian measures had not been accompanied by clear border management plans or exit strategies.

Taufiq, who is also the youth and sports minister, said the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) resettlement process to third countries remained disappointing, while the Home Ministry had introduced the Refugee Registration Document from Jan 1 to manage refugees’ identities and biometric data. - Mkini