Cops probing ‘malicious’ video
Participants in clip defaming non-Muslim BN leaders are being identified
Police have stepped into the profanities-laden video controversy that contained threats and curses against six Barisan Nasional non-Muslim leaders.
The cops are in the midst of identifying the people depicted in the video clip entitled “Rakyat Mengadu”, said Pahang police chief Comm Datuk Seri Rosli Abdul Rahman.
“Once identified, the individuals will be called in to get their statement recorded. We are also trying to identify where the video was taken,” he said yesterday.
The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities or network service.
More police reports have also been made as the video continues to be pounded with condemnation.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai lodged a report in Manchis yesterday.
MIC candidate for the Sabai state seat here Datuk R. Goonasekaran also did the same in Karak here at 4.10pm.
Over in Kuala Lumpur, Gerakan vice-president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau made a report yesterday in Sentul. He is among the six mentioned in the video.
On Thursday, several branch chiefs from the Kuantan MCA had also done the same.
Liow slammed the video for misusing religion to defame Barisan leaders.
“While the victory or defeat in a general election is temporary, the damage to the society is permanent,” he said, adding that he reserved the right to take legal action.
MCA, he said, would embark on a national campaign to curb the spread of actions that injure the morality of a society, while promoting good traditional virtues such as love and kindness.
According to Sin Chew Daily, DAP’s candidate in Balakong Eddie Ng confirmed that the actors in the video were Balakong DAP members, but stressed that the video had nothing to do with the party. The video clip showed derogatory words and curses used during a da xiao ren (hit the villain) ritual.
Da xiao ren is a Taoist folk ritual to “chase away” bad luck and wicked people who have hindered the believers’ progress in life or work.
At the end of the ritual in the video, a man recites the names of six Barisan leaders, including Liow, his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
The others are Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong and Dr Lau, as well as MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam. All six are standing in this general election.
In Petaling Jaya, MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan criticised the video for carrying “extremely malicious” messages.
“It demonstrates the video creator’s despicable and vicious intention, which has sunk beyond the very basics of humanity, and certainly far below the basement of morality,” he said in a statement.
Ong added that in the past 10 years, the ecosystem of politics of the Malaysian Chinese, especially in the cyber world, had descended into a worrying trend.
“We call upon our fellow Malaysian Chinese to cool down and think it over, of how the politics of hatred has completely subverted human relationships,” he added.
Chong said the people who produced the video were cowards.
“They used a Taoist folk ritual and a Christian song and they have crossed the line.
“They have also deliberately focused on the Chinese and Indians of Barisan Nasional,” said the MCA Youth chief.
Gerakan vice-president and central unity bureau head Dr Asharuddin Ahmad said he felt disgusted upon seeing the video.
“I am a Muslim and I do not understand much about the culture. But cursing people in a temple is something uncalled for.
“Politics does not need to go down to that level. Politicians from any political party should fight fairly,” he said.
Penang Barisan chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the Opposition, namely DAP, PKR or Pakatan Harapan, should apologise.
“They must be man enough to come up with a statement condemning the video clip. If they don’t, they are condoning it,” he said.