Parlimen Digital organisers are standing by claims that their participants were called up by police, despite a denial by Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador, who said his men have bigger issues at hand to deal with.
The organisers said they can furnish the authorities with information on those called up by police.
“As organisers, we are urged to assert that the statement made is contradictory to the experiences of our participants.
“For transparency, we are ready to share information of the officers involved to the relevant authorities if needed to clarify any miscommunication,” the secretariat said in a statement today.
Earlier today, Hamid said police have not investigated any of the participants.
“It should not have been news at all as there’s no issue. I’m shocked that they (organisers) said police called them (participants),” Hamid had told reporters in Putrajaya.
“I checked internally, and no one was called up.”
Hamid then asked those who were supposedly called up by the police to come forward and provide the necessary information.
“To whomever contacted by the police, please come forward because I would like to know who was called and which police called them,” he said.
“I have checked and none from my side had called [the participants]. I don’t know, this is news to me. Supposedly the police had called them to take statements and I read statements, [that their statements were taken] without lawyers, what is happening here?”
Hamid also clarified no criminal offence was committed during the event.
“There was no issue at all in the first place. I respect the freedom of expression, that is my assurance, but I only ask politicians or anyone who wishes to make a statement, please be responsible, please be mindful of the law,’’ he said.
Hamid had said that the force has more pressing issues to deal with than to probe into youth-led organisations, while urging the organisers and participants to report any acts of intimidation.
The secretariat also questioned why none of the organisers were called up and why police only went after the participants.
“We urge any authority with concerns about Parlimen Digital to reach out to the organisers if they have any questions about the event.
“The authorities should stop contacting our participants,” the statement read.
Parlimen Digital, organised by youth groups Challenger Malaysia, Undi 18 and Liga Demokratik Malaysia, last weekend held a mock Dewan Rakyat session, where participants played the role of the House’s 222 members.
Its organisers said six participants were called up by the authorities and questioned about their political leanings.
The event secretariat raised concerns about the manner in which the participants were questioned by police.
“Some were called to police stations for questioning without legal counsel, while some were invited for casual discussions.”
The event was aimed at proving Parliament sittings could take place online, after the last session on May 18 was shortened to just two hours, covering only the royal address, amid Covid-19 fears.