Umno’s Akmal being probed for sedition, says IGP

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has confirmed that investigations are underway against Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh.

(NST) – In a brief statement, the top cop said police received two reports against the Merlimau assemblyman’s actions and investigations are underway.

“Investigations were initiated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and once complete, would be handed to the AGC for further instructions,” he said.

Once completed, the findings will be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for further action.

Earlier it was reported that Dr Akmal in a Facebook post said he was being detained at the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters.

Akmal has been vocal in calling for action and a boycott against KK Mart over the “Allah” socks controversy, and there were recent calls for his arrest over a social media post showing him wielding a sword.

On Wednesday, Razarudin said no probe into Dr Akmal as no report had been lodged against him.

However, several parties including former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and human rights group, Lawyers for Liberty, have questioned the necessity for a report to be lodged for the police to act.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has also urged all parties to cease exploiting the issue and inciting anger, emphasising that action had already been taken by the authorities.

Razarudin also urged all parties to refrain from speculating about the sock with Kalimah Allah controversy, since the case had been prosecuted in court.