Set Guidelines For When Cops Should Probe Sensitive Cases Group To Pm

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Civil society group Projek Sama has called on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to introduce clear guidelines for the police on when to open investigations into “offensive” or “sensitive” expressions, warning that the system now risks stifling dissent.
The group said the lodging of police reports has been “systematically weaponised” to suppress opposing views, undermining the constitutional freedoms of expression, assembly and association.
"Without such a guideline, the police would face tremendous pressure to initiate investigations whenever police reports are lodged. When the police fail to act consistently, the public trust in the police would be eroded,” it said in a statement today.
It added that police investigations should not be triggered merely because a large number of reports were filed, warning that this allows certain groups to silence unpopular voices rather than engage in debate.
"If any unpopular voice can be silenced by police investigations triggered by dozens of police reports, then our society becomes intellectually lazy and meek - whatever argument that we cannot win, we lodge a police report to silence our opponents.
"This absurdity is no better shown than by the police reports lodged against University of Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) for calling on the matriculation programmes to be abolished.
"Everyone has the right to disagree with Umany’s call and anyone who does so should provide their argument against it and win the public over. That’s how modern civilised societies work," the group added.
The case is being probed under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which covers statements likely to cause public alarm, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 on the misuse of network facilities or services.
Section 505(b) carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both, while Section 233 provides for a fine of up to RM500,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both.
Umany president Tang Yi ZeEarlier today, police recorded a statement from Malaysiakini journalist Shakira Buang over the article quoting Umany president Tang Yi Ze, urging the Higher Education Ministry to abolish the matriculation programme and adopt the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) as the sole qualification for public university entry.
After brickbats following the call, Umany apologised, explaining that it chose the wrong term to suggest a merger with the STPM examination.
ADSMulti-department, civil society effort needed
The group proposed that the screening guideline be developed with input from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), the police, the Home Ministry, the Communications Ministry, the National Unity Ministry, and the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
Legal and civil society organisations should also be consulted, it said, including the Malaysian Bar, Sabah Law Society, the Advocates Association of Sarawak, human rights groups, academia, associations representing various professional, ethno-religious, and socio-cultural communities.
"Procedurally, every police investigation requires a police report to be made, which can be lodged by the police themselves. However, does it mean that the police have to act on every police report lodged, or set their priorities by looking at the number of police reports lodged?
"If so, are the resources and priorities of the police not controlled and manipulated by any party that can mobilise massive police report lodging? Shouldn’t the police be pursuing cases of actual harm instead of those of offended feelings?" Projek Sama asked.
It said that a survey it conducted on ethnic relations in October 2024, revealed that a significant majority of West Malaysians surveyed - the highest amongst the Malay respondents at 78 percent - wanted the government to act sternly against violence.
"Projek Sama reiterates our call to Anwar to prioritise cases involving violence and intimidation and set up a special task force to resolve 10 high-profile cases of violence and/or intimidation targeting parliamentarians, activist, athletes, a tycoon’s wife and three convenient stores since 2023, under the prime minister's watch," it added. - Mkini

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