Cops to quiz Waytha, Zahid over racial statements
KUALA LUMPUR: The police are to call up soon Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waytha Moorthy, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and seven others to assist in the investigation into statements touching on racial and religious sensitivities on social media.
The others are Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (JMM) president Datuk Azwanddin Hamzah; Tanah Rata state assemblyman Chiong Yoke Kong; Tras state assemblyman Chow Yu Hui; Gabungan 3 chairman Ragvinder Singh and deputy chairman Amran Ahmad Nor and bloggers Lau Shan Thean and Muhamad Edi Mohamad Riyas or Edi Rejang, Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim said yesterday.
He said the police take a serious view of statements touching on racial and religious sensitivities which can cause anxiety in the people.
“If the issue is not controlled and properly managed, it will lead to a situation that can jeopardise public order and national security,” he said at a press conference at Bukit Aman here.
Noor Rashid said the police have received more than 160 reports throughout the country and have opened investigation papers under sections 504, 505 and 506.
He said the police uphold the right to freedom of expression but that right must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the law.
“The police will not hesitate to take the appropriate action to maintain public order and national security,” he said.
Asked why the police are calling up Ahmad Zahid, Noor Rashid said the police have received reports linking him to statements touching on racial and religious sensitivities.
“So, we (the police) have to get an explanation from YB (Ahmad Zahid),” he said.