The police will be calling in educationist group, United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong), businessman Koon Yew Yin and Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik for questioning in connection with racist and fake statements allegedly made by them recently.
Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in a statement today, said they will be summoned after police reports were filed against them.
He said police will take stern action against parties who spread fake news or make racist statements without considering the sensitivities of Malaysians.
“To date, several individuals have been called in for questioning and are under police observation,” he said.
Muhyiddin said further action would be taken, including charging those involved in such acts under Section 504 of the Penal Code (for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace), if there was sufficient evidence against the perpetrators.
“The police with the cooperation of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are constantly monitoring statements that could aggravate situations, especially on social media,” he said, while advising social media users to use the platform respectfully.
Muhyiddin said the ministry’s enforcement agencies would not hesitate to take legal action against any party, including non-citizens, who attempt to disrupt racial harmony and public order in the country.
“All parties need to stop making assumptions or speculative statements. Wait for the full report from the authorities before commenting. This is to prevent slanderous and hastily-made statements.”
He said Malaysia was a multi-racial and multi-religious country and the people should respect and celebrate the diversity.
Dong Zong had recently opposed the introduction of khat lessons in vernacular schools, calling it a form of Islamisation. Putrajaya has since revised its decision, making the lessons of Jawi script instead, and requiring consent from parents and teachers.
Koon, who is Gamuda Bhd founder, had recently criticised the armed forces, saying many personnel did nothing except “eating and sleeping” and should be deployed to work in Felda plantations. He has since apologised over his remarks.
Controversial televangelist Dr Zakir recently came under fire for his alleged inflammatory remarks against ethnic Indian and Chinese in Malaysia, causing several ministers to call for him to be deported.