Malaysia

Akmal questioned, not arrested, says Anwar

PM urges people not to get caught up in heated issue of 'Allah' socks.

Updated 1 month ago · Published on 05 Apr 2024 8:02PM

Akmal questioned, not arrested, says Anwar
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visits Penang today to pay a courtesy call to the DAP-led state government. – The Vibes file pic, April 5, 2024.

by Ian McIntyre

UMNO Youth chief Akmal Saleh was called in for questioning this morning in Kota Kinabalu but he was not arrested, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

Contrary to Akmal's claims that he was arrested by police for alleged sedition over his role in fanning the controversy over the sale of  socks which bore the word "Allah" at a KK Mart convenience store in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said he was made to understand that Akmal was merely questioned by the cops.

“I do not think he was arrested, but was just called in (for questioning),” Anwar said today after a courtesy visit to the DAP-led state government in Komtar.

Anwar was greeted by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive councillors, including the Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, before he took a stroll around the office of the state administration.

Anwar urged the public to refrain from getting caught up in the controversy surrounding the socks.

There should not be any instigation, Anwar said, adding that that the government would not hesitate to act when it came to sensitive issues of race, religion and royalty (3Rs)

“We don’t care who they are, their positions or which parties they are from. Do not issue threats, especially in 3R-related matters.”

Akmal took to social media in Sabah today to claim he was detained at the Kota Kinabalu police headquarters despite being scheduled to give a statement at the Dang Wangi police station in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed receiving two reports on Akmal’s statements on the “Allah” socks issue, and that the case was being investigated under section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities.

Anwar later drove over to the mainland Penang where he is scheduled to attend a few events.

This is Anwar's second trip this year to his hometown of Penang. – The Vibes, April 5, 2024.

Spotlight

Malaysia

Usno leader calls for Sabah govt overhaul after legal blunder

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

Teresa Kok gets 2 bullets in mailbox

Malaysia

Retrieve MA63 documents from London, researcher urges Sabah govt

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

Anwar denies pressure on him to stop Najib trial

111 towns, cities at risk of floods from rising sea levels, says minister

World

Singapore tightens security after Johor police station attack

You may be interested

Malaysia

UiTM admissions backlash sign of misplaced priorities, say academics

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

IGP: No Singaporean was detained in connection with Ulu Tiram attack

Malaysia

Teresa Kok gets 2 bullets in mailbox

Malaysia

DAP condemns death threat against Teresa Kok

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Serdang Heart Centre working to solve maintenance woes

Malaysia

Sabah AG to correct 'misguided statements' of lawyer in 40% revenue claim

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

Retrieve MA63 documents from London, researcher urges Sabah govt

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

PKR tells Sarawak to hold non-essential, mega projects, build basic infrastructure

By Stephen Then