‘No motive when we speak to politicians’

KUALA LUMPUR: Police called up Hannah Yeoh to have her statement recorded following a report that her tweet may be seditious, InspectorGeneral of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said.

The police had acted based on a report by an individual who alleged that the Segambut MP had issued a statement that might be deemed seditious, he said.

“We also found that she alleged there was an effort to defame her.

“Investigators have no other methods except to call her up to Bukit Aman and explain as per the normal procedure.

“This is not an act of intimidation. There are no political motives involved in police actions of calling up politicians to record their statements,” he said.

By having her statement recorded, Yeoh would also have the chance to give her side of the story on what had transpired, he said.

“If we ascertain that her allegations of someone intending to defame her are true, we will investigate those responsible.

“We will be fair and there is no question of police trying to intimidate or suppress freedom of speech. Not under my watch,” he said.

Abdul Hamid said the latest politician to be called up was Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

“Every time politicians make a public statement, there are bound to be positive and negative reactions.

“A report was lodged based on what he said. We considered the content of the report and grievances of the one who lodged it.

“The investigators will ascertain whether there is any offence and due diligence will be followed.

“For example, if we look at the case from the angle of the Sedition Act, we will track down the statement with the assistance of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission if it came from social media.

“The one who allegedly made the statement will be given a chance to explain. If the report was lodged with malicious intent, he or she can make a counter-report,” he explained.

On Thursday, Yeoh said she would give her full cooperation to the police when they meet on June 23.

“I’ve been informed that it was related to my tweet on March 9 on the National Strategic Plan in handling the causes of child marriage and I am prepared to give my full cooperation,” she said.