Police have launched an investigation into a viral Facebook video featuring Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh making statements that were considered to be “hate speech” that could disturb public peace.
Penang police chief Azizee Ismail said an investigation under the Sedition Act and the Penal Code (for criminal intimidation) was launched after a report was lodged on Aug 12. The case was taken over today by the special crime investigation unit of Bukit Aman, he said in a statement this evening.
“To date, two police reports have been filed by members of the public in Penang, and both reports are currently being investigated,” he said.
It was not clear which video is the subject of the investigation. However, in recent days, Akmal has posted videos concerning a Jalur Gemilang mishap at a Penang hardware store, where the national flag was hoisted upside down.
The store owner later corrected the mistake and apologised, but was briefly arrested before being released on bail.
In one of Akmal’s videos, he said prosecutors had two days to charge the shop owner, failing which he said he would personally “teach this ‘Ah Pek’ (uncle) how to correctly put up a flag”.
Akmal is scheduled to give a statement at the Dang Wangi police headquarters at 11pm tonight.
