SG PETANI – A fourth person has been detained by police on allegations that he made threatening remarks to Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
The suspect, who is an IT analyst, was picked up by police after two other individuals, a 45-year-old trader and a 52-year-old contractor, were also detained in the morning for posting similar threats against Sanusi on his official Facebook account.
Earlier yesterday, a 61-year-old retiree was also detained for uploading a video that allegedly insulted Sanusi.
Last Friday, during the opening of a mega vaccination centre in Sg Petani, Sanusi tried to make a joke over “shipping containers” meant to store the remains of Covid-19 victims.
Sanusi at first said that there were adequate containers to store bodies of those who died from the virus.
He then said: “Anyone who wants to enter, give your names,” prompting the public to call out his gaffe.
Sanusi has since apologised for the remark, saying he had said it in jest, but the video clip with his remarks continues to go viral, amassing sharp criticism from netizens.
Kuala Muda district police chief Adzli Abu Shah, who confirmed all four arrests, said that the latest suspect was arrested at his home in Aulong, Taiping, at 12.15am and was brought here for questioning later this afternoon.
The case is being probed under Section 504 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.
The other suspects were detained from Kepala Batas in Penang and Mergong Perdana in Kedah respectively, while the 61-year-old retiree was arrested in Lenggeng, Negri Sembilan.
Meanwhile, lawyers have criticised the arrests as a “witch hunt”, as it contravenes freedom of expression. – The Vibes, August 10, 2021
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