Home Civil Society Voices Police chief must cease investigation into Kadir Jasin

Police chief must cease investigation into Kadir Jasin

Fuzi Harun - Photograph: selangorkini.my

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The old BN era tactics of using police investigations to control and stifle public discourse can no longer be tolerated, says Latheefa Koya.

I refer to the statement made by the inspector general of police that Kadir Jasin would be investigated under the Sedition Act, the Communications and Multimedia Act and criminal defamation under the Penal Code over his blog entry on the Yang DiPertuan Agong.

The inspector general of police must realise that Malaysia is no longer governed by the oppressive Barisan Nasional (BN) regime which had previously persecuted the people for merely exercising their right to free speech. Whoever that is affected by Kadir’s article should respond in a civilised manner and not resort to lodging police reports. It is also possible for these parties to file civil defamation suits but there is certainly nothing criminal in what he had written.

The inspector general of police must act consistent with the reform agenda of the new Pakatan Harapan government and not fall back into the BN way of governance. Further, the government has already announced that oppressive laws and provisions found in the Sedition Act, the Communications and Multimedia Act, the Penal Code and other laws will be reviewed and abolished.

It is thus shocking and unacceptable for the inspector general of police to order multiple investigations against Kadir under these very same laws that the government has vowed to review and abolish.

The police must exercise more discretion in handling such politically-motivated reports. Just because some right-wing groups lodge police reports, it does not mean that the police must jump and commence unnecessary and wasteful investigations. The police are not obliged to investigate unmeritorious reports.

READ MORE:  From reform to repression: The worrying precedent set by Mukmin Nantang's case

The old BN era tactics of using police investigations to control and stifle public discourse can no longer be tolerated. There must be a complete halt of all investigations under these discredited laws, pending repeal.

Latheefa Koya
Lawyers for Liberty

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

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Vama Devan
8 Jun 2018 3.46pm

The game of politics can change within weeks

James Lee
8 Jun 2018 1.55pm

When Umno lackeys report anything IGP seem to be supportive!

Yap Bin Chun
8 Jun 2018 1.52pm

Rayat have the Right to know the truth. Thank you for your good work. Carry On.

Lim Heng Hin
8 Jun 2018 1.09pm

What offense has Kadir committed? Leaking an official secret and committing an offense under the act? The people must be the judge and they are watching.

Stephen Nah
8 Jun 2018 12.55pm

Really stupid of the Police then, and maybe even now… to investigate all complaints .. creditable or otherwise…

Mag Bee
10 Jun 2018 12.31pm
Reply to  Stephen Nah

Dumno heat is still there i guess,looking for resignation !!

Pearly Paul
8 Jun 2018 10.31am

Maybe this honourable I GO has forgotten that our new government is democratic and allows Freedom of Speech

Eng-Bee Yeap
8 Jun 2018 8.49am

Malaysians want the truth. We not stupid. Go catch the betrayers !

Aw Kum Wah
8 Jun 2018 8.13am

Am surprised that this is written by a lawyer! The police must take action on all cases reported to see if the existing laws are violated. Unless and until the various Acts like Sedition etc are repeal by Parliament, the police has no right not to take action. So the ball is in the hands of AG who will draft government bills to pass in Parliament.

Sundra Lingam
8 Jun 2018 6.58am

Go after Shahidan Kassim, Musa, Jamal, Indra Gandhi’s ex husband, Jabat extremes at Manjoi Ipoh. Do your duty accordingly and not being selective.

Taring Tebrau
8 Jun 2018 6.39am

The Rakyat have the Unalienable Right to Know The TRUTH !!! Let anyone who feel they are being wronged take legal action so that we will know what is true. This is MALAYSIA BARU… all govt departments and Institutions must remember that they all need to put the Interest and Wishes of the Rakyat First !!!

syahmisr
8 Jun 2018 6.19am

siasat..mesti siasat..

Ooi Chwee Hoon
8 Jun 2018 12.50am

This IGP has to go.

Tengku JW
8 Jun 2018 12.47am

Police must investigate how and why huge amount of money spent! …

Ross Chow
7 Jun 2018 11.10pm

Get rid of him, can?

Govind M. S. Munu
7 Jun 2018 11.11pm

As the police reports made, let pdrm exercises its duty with amanah, integriti and work with dpp. Its premature to comment or interfere now. When come to public interest, whistle blower and fair critics on misuse of tax payers money must be protected at all cost. Lets dharma prevail.

Quah Cheow Chye
7 Jun 2018 10.51pm

Stop playing politics to score points with the establishment. This is not the old order.

Stella Perera
7 Jun 2018 11.03pm

Do your duty to arrest and detain criminals like Jamal n Musa. Stop wasting time on other nonsense.

Romeo Lee
7 Jun 2018 10.55pm

anyway where is Jamal n Musa??

Kooi Huat Den
7 Jun 2018 10.48pm

Malaysia baharu = Rakyat Dahulu 🤔

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