Police detain a journalist for questioning after a video shows him raising racial issues at a public lecture on Palestine, sparking three reports.
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested a Free Malaysia Today journalist to assist in an investigation into a video from a public lecture.
The video allegedly shows the journalist raising racial issues in Malaysia during a forum on Palestine held on 12 January.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar said the 30-year-old suspect was arrested around midnight.
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He said the investigation followed a question posed to UK politician George Galloway that was suspected to contain racist and inflammatory elements.
“In the session, the journalist raised a question on the Palestinian issue by comparing it with racial conditions in Malaysia,” Kumar stated.
He confirmed that three police reports have been received regarding the same incident.
The case is being investigated under the Sedition Act 1948, the Penal Code, and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Kumar stressed police will take firm action against anyone believed to be inciting hatred within the community.
He advised the public to exercise prudence when making statements or sharing content online.
The journalist issued a public apology yesterday, expressing deep regret for his poorly framed question.
He specifically apologised for mentioning the Chinese and Malay communities, calling such references unnecessary.
The question drew widespread criticism on social media platforms.
Media reports indicate the journalist has since resigned from Free Malaysia Today.
His lawyer, Rajsurian Pillai, said his client was remanded for one day and is expected to be released this afternoon. – Bernama
