IGP threatens treason charge on Nurul Izzah
Police will continue with investigation into photo with Jacel Kiram despite apology
(Free Malaysia Today) – The Inspector-General of Police has raised the threat of a treason investigation against PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar despite her apology yesterday about a photograph of her with Jacel Kiram, daughter of the Sulu separatist leader.
The IGP, Khalid Abu Bakar, said he took personal exception to the photograph. “This is a serious matter. An MP went to meet the country’s enemy. We have to call her to find out why,” he said according to news reports.
“I, as a head of the police force, am very upset by her action. From the photos, it does not look like it was coincidental,” he was quoted as saying. “It was a ‘posing’ picture. She can be investigated under Section 124 of the Penal Code for treason. Yes, she has apologised, but that is a separate matter.”
He also threatened to use the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act. “We can also use Sosma. Her action can be seen as threatening the country’s peace and safety,” he was quoted as saying.
Nurul Izzah had said yesterday that the photograph was taken at a function in Manila when she visited the Philippines recently to campaign for the release of her jailed father, Anwar Ibrahim.
She said yesterday that she had not sought out Jacel Karim nor was she personally acquainted with Jacel, who was one of 15 guests invited by her hosts, the Council on Philippine Affairs and the Asian Institute for Democracy, the office of the City Mayor of Manila and the office of the Vice-President of the Philippines.
