Man who allegedly insulted PM released on police bail

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have released on bail the younger brother of an Umno politician who was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly uploading a photograph on social media which insulted Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Fadzil Ahmat said the man, in his 40s, was released at 7pm on Wednesday.

He had been previously arrested by police at his home in Bukit Subang, Shah Alam at 3am on Tuesday to facilitate investigations under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.

A second man involved in the same case had also surrendered himself at the Shah Alam district police headquarters about 11am on Wednesday and was subsequently released on police bail as well.

“The first suspect was released on police bail yesterday (Wednesday) at 7pm.

“There was a second man who who surrendered himself at the Shah Alam district police headquarters earlier the same day.

“Police recorded the second man’s statement, who is believed to have shared the same picture in question on social media.

“Both men were eventually released on police bail.

“Investigation papers have been forwarded to the deputy public prosecutor for further action,” Fadzil said.

On Tuesday, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam posted on his social media that his brother was detained by police for sharing a photograph taken from his friend’s Facebook account, which allegedly defamed Dr Mahathir.

Lokman said he agreed that his brother should not have shared the posting.