Police Take Statement From Lawyer School Following Cny Deco Fiasco

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Police have opened an investigation into the recent case of a Selangor public school allegedly being pressured to remove its Chinese New Year decorations for fear of religious propagation
Serdang district police chief Ismadi Borhan (above, centre) today said the case is being investigated under Section 505(c) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998
This, after two reports had been lodged against a letter sent to SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong 1 principal by lawyer Mohd Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz to demand the decorations be taken down
Both reports were lodged by members of the public at the Puchong Jaya police station yesterday, Ismadi said

So far, he said police have taken the statement of Khairul (below), the school, it’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and teachers
Section 505(c) pertains to the intent to incite a community to act against another while Section 233 of the CMA pertains with the improper use of network facilities or network service
Those found guilty under the first law face imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine, while those found guilty under CMA is liable to a fine not exceeding RM50,000 and/or imprisonment up to a year
The person shall also be liable to a further fine of RM1,000 for every day during which the offence is continued after conviction
“Upon completion, the investigation papers will be referred to the public prosecutor for further direction,” he said during a press conference at the Serdang police district headquarters today
So far, Ismadi (above) said police have not found any traces of racial or religious motivation in the school putting up the decoration
Khairul, who is also Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra) vice-president, had alleged that parents had expressed concern the decorations were an attempt to propagate to Muslims
Ismadi added that police will also be investigating those who were playing up the issue on social media as well as statements made by Khairul to reporters at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) headquarters in Cyberjaya earlier today
Among others, Khairul had boasted on the attention his letter garnered from cabinet ministers and joked he would now “pick another school” to complain about so that he can get ministers to visit
Meanwhile, Ismadi said an investigation is also underway to determine if there was any police involvement in the case
It was revealed the school removed the decorations upon the advice of police to de-escalate the situation following the complaint
However, Sinchew Daily yesterday quoted Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador as saying instructions for the removal of the decorations were wrong and ordered this to be investigated
He reportedly said he had not been informed by the officer before the advice was given to the school
Ismadi today said any officer found culpable would be subjected to disciplinary action. - Mkini

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