JOHOR BAHRU – Police have opened two investigation papers on former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin over allegedly making statements on 3R (race, religion, and royalty) matters during the by-election campaigns in Pulai and Simpang Jeram, in Johor.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said Perikatan Nasional chairman Muhyiddin will be called to give his statement next Tuesday.
“There are two IP (investigation papers) opened against Muhyiddin following his statement (regarding) ‘fatwa’ and the statement about the Malays losing their power.
“So there are two IPs open, and we will call him on September 12 to give his statement,” he told reporters after checking out the voting process for the Pulai parliamentary seat at the polling centre in Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar, here, today.
Ayob Khan said no new investigation papers have been opened involving other political leaders over 3R issues.
On Saturday, September 2, Muhyiddin, who is also president of Bersatu, allegedly issued a statement that it was “haram” to vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Suhaizan Kaiat, in his talk at Dataran Utama Kempas, here, during the Pulai Parliamentary by-election campaign.
The Pagoh MP is also reported to have issued a statement claiming that the Malays lost power, adding that the current government does not seem to understand the problems faced by the Malays.
On September 4, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police opened investigation papers against Muhyiddin under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for allegedly issuing a statement that created public fear and anxiety and also under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Meanwhile, Ayob Khan, when asked to comment on the investigation into PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, said police had completed the investigations and had submitted the investigation papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action.
He also reminded political leaders and the community against issuing any statements related to 3R, including when campaigning for the Pelangai by-election at the end of this month.
“Police are constantly monitoring all social media platforms; if there are any, we will open an investigation; however, only after they have been investigated, arrested, charged, and punished will they ask for sympathy, and so on,” he said.
The Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections have been called due to the unexpected vacancy of the seats following the death of incumbent Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was also the domestic trade and cost of living minister, on July 23. – September 9, 2023