Dap Rep Urges Cops To Drop Satirical Cartoon Probe Citing Threat To Free Speech

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A DAP lawmaker has urged the police to drop their probe into his party colleague Woo Kah Leong, who created a cartoon of Razman Zakaria as a clown after the Perak opposition leader allegedly made slanderous statements.
ADSBilut assemblyperson Lee Chin Chen reminded authorities that satire against politicians is not a crime, but a way for people to express their views, dissatisfaction, and criticism towards leaders who abuse their influence and spread hatred.
“The cartoon is a form of satirical artistic expression that conveys criticism of Razman’s extreme and slanderous statements.
“Razman has frequently engaged in slander, including launching vicious attacks against the Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh,” Lee claimed.
“If politicians like Razman are free to spread slander and hatred without any accountability, whilst those who deliver criticism are investigated and suppressed, then the democratic system and freedom of speech will be under threat,” he argued.
‘White terror’
In April, Woo suggested that Razman go off-grid and “stay in a cave” to avoid social media.
This was after Razman reacted negatively to a caricature the Pasir Bedamar assemblyperson posted depicting the former as a clown.
Pasir Bedamar assemblyperson Woo Kah Leong (left) and Perak opposition leader Razman ZakariaRazman had demanded that Woo, who is also DAP Youth chief, apologise and take down the caricature, or face a lawsuit.
“The police’s action to open an investigation against Woo is not only unreasonable and excessive, but also risks creating a culture of ‘white terror’.
“It is a backwards step that threatens the foundation of freedom of speech in this country,” Lee said in his statement.
The Pahang DAP chief reiterated that the cartoon Woo published was a legitimate form of political expression in terms of democracy and law, and part of a mature political culture accepted by democratic nations globally.
“If Razman disagrees with the content of the satire, he should come forward with arguments and facts, rather than hiding behind the police to block criticism. I call upon the police to return to the principles of justice and professionalism.
ADS“Do not allow an institution that should protect the people’s safety to be used as a tool by certain parties to silence the people’s voice.
“This is because democratic politics recognises the right to be questioned, criticised, and satirised,” Lee added.
Police question Woo
Woo’s lawyer, Syahredzan Johan, said that two investigating officers questioned his client today for approximately 30 minutes at the latter’s office.
“We have been informed that a police report has been lodged, and this matter is being investigated by the Gerik district police headquarters. A statement has also been taken.
“Questions were posed and Woo answered them. We have given full cooperation for this investigation,” Utusan Malaysia reported Syahredzan as saying at a press conference.
The lawyer, who is also a DAP lawmaker, said that he does not know the individual who made the police report, apart from the date it was lodged.
The police had also seized Woo’s handphone and SIM card to assist with the investigation, he added.
Lawyer Syahredzan JohanIt was reported that acting Gerik district police chief Firdaus Abdullah had confirmed that Woo’s statement had been recorded.
The Malay daily also reported that Woo remained steadfast in his stance.
“I defend everyone’s right to criticise me. As a politician, I must allow everyone to criticise and attack me.
“But at the same time, I also have the right to fight back with arguments. I will not bow down and will not remain silent.
“I am determined to defend freedom of speech, freedom of creation and freedom of expression,” he reportedly said at the press conference. - Mkini

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