Corn Seller & Wife Arrested After Backlash Over Racist "Not For Sale To Keling" Sign
While the man has been released, his wife, an Indonesian national, was remanded under the Immigration Act.
Police have arrested the corn seller that went viral for displaying a handwritten sign that stated his wares were "not for sale to Keling"
Abdul Aziz Musa was arrested alongside his wife, an Indonesian national.
While the man, in his 60s, was released on police bail due to his age, his wife, in her 50s, has been remanded under the Immigration Act for overstaying in Malaysia.
"The motive for the [racist signboard] is still being investigated," Sepang district deputy police chief Supt Shan Gopal Krishnan said, adding that police have recorded statements from seven witnesses.
The case is being investigated for sedition
According to the police, they have opened investigations under Section 4 of the Sedition Act, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act, and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.
The investigation into the seller comes after he apologised in the presence of National Unity and Integration Department officials, representatives from the Indian community, and local residents.
Following his apology, several politicians called for further action against the corn seller, with UMNO Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh stating that mere apologies would not suffice.
DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng, on the other hand, stated that the incident highlighted the need for an anti-racial discrimination act to address and punish deliberate acts of inciting racial hatred.
However, National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang dismissed the idea in parliament today, 18 February, stating that existing legal provisions are sufficient.
"Transparent and fair enforcement, regardless of ethnic background, religion, and social class, is crucial to ensure that harmony is maintained. Therefore, the ministry believes there is no need to draft a new act," he told the Dewan Rakyat today during the Minister's Question Time.