Cops Grill Kadir Jasin Again Over Blog Post On Malay Rulers

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(Malaysiakini) – Police have once again grilled veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin over a blog post on Malay rulers.
The media adviser to the prime minister said that he was questioned at Bukit Aman today over an article on Kedah ruler Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah from Oct 30 last year.
“Several Umno leaders and a PKR leader had lodged police reports against me, accusing me of having insulted the Kedah ruler.
“I asked the two police officers who questioned me how many complaints have been lodged against me, and they said 14,” he said in a blog post.
“This is the second time I have been probed in regard to my writing about the Malay rulers.
“I have no issues with being investigated, because there are things you can learn when being questioned, and I can help shed some light to the police in the process,” he added.
Among the parties who had lodged reports against Kadir include Malay right-wing group Perkasa and PKR’s Sungai Petani MP Johari Abdul.They had, among others, taken offence with a line which touched on the lyrics of the official Kedah state song.
As Kadir wrote: “The official song clearly states that the place of the king (sultan) is on the throne, and the king’s responsibility is the preserve the religion of our prophet (nabi).
“It does not say ‘extend their lives in the boardroom’ and ‘preserve his highness’ conglomerates’.”
Responding to the reports lodged against him, he said he respected Johari’s freedom of expression.
“I respect his freedom of speech. But I leave it to my readers to judge my writings.”
In May last year, Kadir was questioned over an article in Sinar Harian calling for reforms in the royal institution.
Commenting on the appointment of Tommy Thomas as attorney-general, he said that the rulers should be confident and assured about their position, as they were “lavishly provided for.”
Kadir then listed what he claimed to be the expenses of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
He was subsequently probed by the police under the Sedition Act 1948 and for defamation.

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