Parliament Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor has filed a police report against a TikTok user for allegedly defaming him in a series of videos.
He said a police report was lodged under Section 504 and 505(c) of the Penal Code at the Sentul police station on Tuesday (July 16).
“That person has made a baseless, irresponsible and seditious remark. It has also embarrassed me as Cameron Highlands MP representing the Orang Asli community and as a Deputy Speaker,” he said during a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday (July 16).
According to Ramli, the two sections under the Penal Code address public mischief with intent to incite and intentional insults that provoke a breach of the peace.
He also claimed that the remarks made had undermined the welfare of the Orang Asli community.
“This raises a perception among the Orang Asli community,” he added.
He said he believes the individual started targetting him after the Bumiputra Economic Congress in March when he suggested a constitutional amendment to empower the Orang Asli community.
“I’m not stopping you if you disagree with my views and suggestions – but don’t insult and incite the community,” he said.
Ramli also said he is considering filing a civil defamation suit against the individual, but did not specify when.
“I will let the authorities investigate first,” he said.
According to Ramli, offensive remarks include accusations that he “makan dedak” (taking bribes) and “makan tahi” (taking crap) – indirectly implying that his views on issues affecting Orang Asli were influenced by his position in government.
“He (Ramli) is afraid of losing his salary, he’s not defending Orang Asli, he wants to destroy Orang Asli.
“Is that how a YB acts? There’s no use for people supporting him,” said Ramli, quoting the man in the TikTok video.
Ramli declined to comment on whether the man in the video is also an Orang Asli, and instead asked journalists to view it on their own.
As Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker, Ramli does not participate in debate proceedings but has on occasion requested permission to intervene and raise issues affecting Orang Asli.
Last year, Ramli said Schedule Nine of the Federal Constitution listed the welfare of the Orang Asli as part of federal matters, while the land is under the jurisdiction of the state.
As such, he said amending the Constitution to include the welfare of Orang Asli into the concurrent list with shared federal-state powers would be a solution to their issues.