MP demands explanation over arrest of two podcasters, questions police consistency

JELUTONG MP RSN Rayer has demanded an explanation from the authorities including the Home Minister over the arrest and detention of two podcasters, questioning what prompted authorities to take action against them.

Rayer said the public had a right to know what was deemed controversial about the podcast hosted by Brian Kong and Shamsul Saad, arguing that political discussions should not be treated as criminal offences simply because they involve criticism or unpopular views.

“Podcasting is not a crime. Political discourse must not be governed by fear of reprisals.”

“The Home Minister and Inspector General of Police must explain the arrest and what was so controversial about their podcast,” he said in a statement today.

He said discussions that may be controversial, uncomfortable or strongly worded should not automatically lead to arrests unless there was clear evidence of wrongdoing.

Rayer said the action against the two podcasters raised questions about how authorities were handling other cases involving remarks touching on race and religion.

He pointed to preacher Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, whom he accused of repeatedly making divisive remarks on social media, and questioned why no similar action had been taken against him.

Rayer said a police report was recently lodged by PKR member Rozan Azen Mat Rasip over alleged racially and religiously insensitive remarks by Ridhuan Tee, but questioned the status of the investigation.

He also cited alleged remarks by Ridhuan Tee labelling Malay Pakatan Harapan supporters as “barua” and non-Malay PH supporters as “kafir harbi”, asking why police had yet to take action.

“Why is Ridhuan Tee still free to continue making such statements on Facebook? How many police reports are needed before action is taken?” he asked.

Rayer also raised his earlier police report against Jempol MP Shamsulkahar Mohd Deli over remarks allegedly made during the recent Negeri Sembilan election campaign.

He claimed Shamsulkahar had accused DAP of being behind an edited image involving a pig dressed in royal attire, while also making allegations involving the Sultan of Selangor.

Rayer questioned why no action had been taken against the Umno lawmaker, describing the remarks as “malicious, reckless, dangerous and racially divisive”.

He said enforcement authorities must uphold the principle that everyone was equal before the law, as provided under the Federal Constitution.

“Selective police action must stop immediately,” he said. - August 8, 2026