KUALA LUMPUR: The investigation paper into Manjoi assemblyman Mohd Hafez Sabri over a false and racially charged social media post has been referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further instructions.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the case is investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The paper was referred to on Sept 10 for further instructions.
“Police have also recorded statements from several witnesses,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday.
He said this in response to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who had asked about the progress of the case and whether any action had been taken against Mohd Hafez over the post.
Saifuddin also said the investigation paper into the Pas assemblyman was opened in September.
On Sept 3, a Facebook post by Mohd Hafez linked a racial narrative to an incident in which a woman rushed towards the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, during a state-level National Day celebration in Ipoh.
The post falsely claimed that the woman involved was of Chinese descent, despite Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar saying that the allegation was untrue and could incite racial tension and negative public perception.
On Sept 3, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) launched an investigation into Mohd Hafez over the post.
The investigation, conducted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, carries a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
