Zahid, Waytha, Edi Rejang to be summoned by cops soon

(NST) – Police will summon Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waytha Moorthy as well as seven other individuals to record their statements over issues pertaining to racial sensitivity.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said the other individuals are Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (JMM) president Datuk Azwanddin Hamzah; Gabungan 3 chairman Ragvinder Singh and his deputy Amran Ahmad Nor; Tanah Rata state assemblyman Chiong Yoke Kong; and Tras assemblyman, Chow Yu Hui.

Police, he said, will also be calling up two people – blogger Lau Shan Thean and Muhammad Edi Mohamad Riyars, also known as ‘Edi Rejang’.

“These nine people will be summoned soon to assist our investigation in several cases which are being investigated under

Section 504, 505 and 506 of the Penal Code, over sensitive issues involving religion and race.

“Their statements are required as apart from their names being mentioned in several police reports, we believe they also have the necessary information,” he told a press conference at the Federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman on Friday.

Noor Rashid said that two weeks ago, police had received more than 160 police reports nationwide on issues dealing with race and religion.

Police, said the deputy IGP, are concerned with the rise in such cases and will act accordingly to preserve the country’s peace and security.

“These issues, if not managed properly, could potentially jeopardise the peace and security of the country.

“As such, we are taking appropriate action and are reminding the public not to play up issues which could affect the people’s sensitivities,” he said.

Noor Rashid added that although Malaysia is a free country, with the people allowed to voice their opinions, it should nevertheless be done in accordance with the law.