[UPDATED] GE15: sorry isn’t enough, Rafizi files report on PAS’ Shahiful, actor Zul Huzaimy for hate speech

AMPANG JAYA – Individuals who issue racially insensitive remarks should not be allowed to get away with it after issuing a mere apology, said PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli. 

He added that since “a wrong is still a wrong”, a police report against such comments is necessary to ensure that justice is carried out through the investigative process. 

“People should not be able to make statements that go against the law, and just apologise for us to close the book (on the incident),” he told reporters outside the district police headquarters here today.

“When no action is taken (against such comments), it becomes a repeated issue that eventually becomes part of our culture.”

Rafizi said this after filing a police report against Sik PAS Youth chief Shahiful Nasir who said voters would “go to hell” if they voted for Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Harapan (PH) on polling day this Saturday.

Shahiful, who is also a preacher, subsequently apologised for his comments while Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also issued an apology to anyone offended by Shahiful’s comments.

Rafizi’s report also took issue with actor Zul Huzaimy for his inciting remarks issued on November 4 against “kafir harbi” (infidels against whom war can be waged).

Zul reportedly said that he would slaughter the “kafir harbi” if there were no laws against such killings in the country.

Rafizi said while investigation papers have been opened by Bukit Aman on the two cases, he provided a police statement today to facilitate the investigations.

He added that his report is being investigated under several provisions, including Section 504 of the Penal Code which points to intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and Section 4(a) of the Election Offences Act regarding offensive and threatening content or speeches during elections.

Rafizi, who is contesting for the Pandan parliamentary seat, also said PKR’s legal team will be combing through campaign speeches by Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) GE15 candidates and their opponents to identify any illegal content.

“We will not hesitate to bring the matter to court if we detect any of our (PH) candidates using racially insensitive rhetoric in their campaign.

“It would be stupid for PH candidates (to use racial sentiments) since it would be (akin to) inviting our opponents to take us to court.”

Besides that, Rafizi said he hopes his decision to lodge a police report sends a clear message to voters and political leaders. 

“The bigger picture here is about our political culture. By initiating a police investigation into the incidents, I hope voters can see that PH takes such comments very seriously.

“Political leaders, whether from PH, PN or Barisan Nasional (BN) should be careful to not incite racial sentiments (during their campaign), instead focus on issues faced by the people.”

Meanwhile, in a statement today, Ampang Jaya police confirmed that two investigation papers have been opened into Shahiful and Zul in Kedah and Terengganu, respectively.

Shahiful is being investigated under Section 4(a) of the Election Offences Act and Section 504 of the Penal Code.  

Probes into Zul are being carried out under Sections 506 and 505(c) of the Penal Code involving criminal intimidation and for making a statement with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite, any class or community of persons.

Both individuals are also being investigated under Section 233 of the Multimedia and Communications Act 1998 relating to the misuse of communications networks.

Malaysians will head to the polls this Saturday. – The Vibes, November 15, 2022