Igp Explains Delays In Probes On Comedian Netizen Over Ham Remarks

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Police have explained the reason its criminal investigations against stand-up comedian Harith Iskander and a Facebook user for allegedly insulting Islam are taking some time.
This comes amidst criticisms against the force by certain quarters for “slow action” in the two cases compared to the swift police probe against a labourer who threatened Harith's daughter.
According to Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain, the investigations against Harith and netizen Cecelia Yap required police to seek assistance from other agencies, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
"We need (digital) forensics reports from MCMC, that is why (the probe) is taking a while.
"Police will wrap up the investigation and submit our investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers by this Thursday," he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian today.
Disproportionate action claim
On Feb 2, PAS Youth expressed disappointment with the authorities’ “disproportionate” actions against Harith and Yap, who made insensitive remarks related to the “ham” and cheese sandwich debacle.
Its deputy chief Hafez Sabri noted that while authorities swiftly took action against individuals who threatened Harith and his family, similar measures against the comedian and Yap had yet to be appropriately addressed.
"This clearly demonstrates an imbalance in the enforcement of laws that should be protecting interfaith harmony in this country," he was quoted as saying by Harakah Daily.
Comedian Harith IskanderOn Friday, the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court sentenced a 31-year-old man to five months in prison and fined him RM2,000 for criminally intimidating Harith’s ex-wife.
The charge sheet states that the accused sent a WhatsApp message with a photo and threatening words, implying intentions to commit rape and murder against their 12-year-old daughter.
Ham jokes
The threat came in the wake of police investigating the comedian for a satirical post on the use of the word “ham” following the controversy over the halal status of sandwiches sold at a convenience store in Universiti Malaya.
Harith had joked about “ham sap kopi” - a type of coffee offered at a restaurant - jeopardising his faith as the name included the word “ham”.
Yap landed in hot water over a comment she left under Harith’s Facebook posting.
More than a dozen police reports were lodged against Harith and Yap, who are accused of insulting Islam and the Prophet Muhammad through their online remarks.
Yap has since apologised for making the comment. - Mkini

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