Bold claim: The police have handed the investigation paper about a PAS assemblyman’s Merdeka-related social media post to the Attorney General’s Chambers for potential action. Here’s what happened and why it matters.
In Kuala Lumpur, authorities confirmed that the investigation into the Perak state incident was forwarded to the AGC on September 10, after interviews with multiple witnesses. The case, opened as Teluk Intan Report 8162/2025, involves two potential charges: Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for allegedly causing public fear or alarm, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper network use. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail disclosed this in a written reply.
This follows a question from Jelutong MP RSN Rayer about what action is being taken against Manjoi assemblyman Mohd Hafez Sabri for a Facebook post connected to the Perak Merdeka celebration incident that involved the Sultan of Perak. Earlier, on August 31, police had dismissed online rumors about a woman reportedly arrested in the case. Bukit Aman’s CID director, Comm Datuk M. Kumar, noted that investigators are examining the misleading online posts.
Hafez Sabri later apologized, stating his remarks were taken out of context and misused by others.
Why it matters: this sequence highlights tensions around social media, official responses to content related to national events, and the balance between free expression and public safety. It also illustrates how authorities escalate potentially sensitive posts to higher legal scrutiny.
Question for discussion: Do you think the current laws adequately address misinformation and reckless online statements about security incidents, or should there be different standards for political figures posting on social media? Share your views below.
