POLICE have launched an investigation against former DAP MP Tony Pua over comments he made in Facebook posts apparently in relation to the reduction in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s punishment by the Pardons Board.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said a police report has been received regarding Pua’s statement allegedly insulting the royal institution which was uploaded on Facebook.
In a statement today, he reproduced the contentious lines from a series of posts by Pua:
“Trust me. It’s not a scam.” “Oh wow. After all these years, Najib/Umno cybertroopers still love me...” “I beg your pardon?” “Can someone send me to jail for 1 year and in exchange, pay me RM50mil? Pretty please?” “King Klep pardoned!!”
“Statements like this incite the public to hate and insult the royal institution with regards to the absolute power of the Agong in exercising his jurisdiction under Article 42 of the federal constitution,” Razarudin said.
The investigation is being carried out by the Classified Crime Investigation Unit of Bukit Aman’s Prosecution/Legal Division under the Criminal Investigation Department under Section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Pua will be called to assist in the investigation at 1pm on February 5 (Monday) at the office of the Classified Crime Investigation Unit.
“The case is still at the investigation stage and the public is advised not to make any speculations or share wrong information that can disrupt the investigation process or cause an atmosphere of disharmony among the community in Malaysia,” Razarudin said.
“Strict action will be taken against any party that acts in any way that may affect public order and national security.”
Najib, who was serving a 12-year jail sentence over a corruption conviction related to the SRC International affair, had made an application for a pardon.
His application was among the matters deliberated upon by the Pardons Board of the Federal Territories at its meeting in Istana Negara on January 29.
The board decided to reduce the former prime minister’s jail term from 12 years to six and cut his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.
The meeting was chaired by then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Mustafa Billah Shah, whose five-year reign as Malaysia’s king ended the next day.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim of Johor has since ascended the throne to reign for the next five-year period. – The Vibes, February 4, 2024.
