PDRM Investigates Lim Guan Eng Over Sensitive Remarks He Says Were Translated Wrongly
Meanwhile, UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has come to the DAP chairperson's defence, saying that attempts are being made to smear Lim's name.
By Sadho Ram — 10 Jul 2023, 10:37 AM — Updated over 1 year ago
Bukit Aman has launched an investigation against Bagan member of parliament (MP) Lim Guan Eng over his alleged remarks that are said to have touched on sensitive race, religion, and royalty (3R) issues
According to Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) deputy director Datuk GS Suresh Kumar, several reports have been filed with the police, alleging that Lim claimed that the "green wave" would destroy temples and deny religious rights in Penang, reported New Straits Times.
The "green wave" refers to Perikatan Nasional (PN), which made significant gains during the last general elections, with analysts predicting that PN would make further gains in the upcoming state elections.
Suresh said that Lim is said to have made the remarks in his speech at the 'Tian Fu Gong Bai Long Wang Singapore — Malaysia Tour 2023' programme at Batu Temple in Jelutong, Penang on 8 July.
"The investigation is ongoing and members of the public are advised not to make any speculations that could disrupt the investigation process," Suresh said, while warning that the police will not hesitate to take stern action against anyone who threatens public peace and national security.
The investigation is being conducted under various charges
Among the charges the Classified Crimes Investigation Unit of the Bukit Aman CID is investigating Lim for include Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505b of the Penal Code for statements that lead to public alarm and distress, and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.
"We are investigating and he will be called in the nearest future," Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain was quoted telling local daily Utusan Malaysia yesterday, 9 July.
Meanwhile, Lim claimed that his speech, which he had delivered in Mandarin, was mistranslated by English news portal MalaysiaNow
"...China Press published a special report that MalaysiaNow was mistaken in the translation of its report because I never mentioned Chinese temples or Buddhist temples in my speech. This confirms my statement that my speech in Mandarin had been twisted to be 'PN intends to destroy Buddhist or Chinese temples'. What I was referring to was [a] Hindu temple, where there was a case of a Hindu temple demolished in 2020 in Kedah," he said while disputing the allegations that he was provoking religious sentiments.
The DAP chairperson has also found an ally in UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who came to Lim's defence, saying that the English news report was purportedly circulated to smear Lim's name.
"I have read the report, it happened a while ago but has been circulated to smear Lim's name. I think it's okay to have political differences, but it must come with good practices. Don't condone character assassination," Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, told reporters yesterday.
