KUALA LUMPUR – Police have recorded DAP lawmaker Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham’s statement as part of investigations under the Sedition Act into his proposal for non-Muslims to sit on a committee on shariah laws.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain confirmed to Scoop that statements were recorded from 66 other individuals.
Shuhaily, however, declined to reveal when police had taken Ngeh’s statement.
“(Ngeh) is the only figure under investigation (in relation to this case),” Shuhaily said.
“The other individuals summoned by police include the person who lodged the police report (against Ngeh’s remarks) and representatives from media sites that had published news of the issue.”
Suhaily said investigations are being conducted under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 on the improper use of network facilities.
A total of 70 police reports have been lodged on the matter and investigations are still ongoing, Shuhaily said.
On December 28, Ngeh’s statement proposing the inclusion of a non-Muslim constitutional law expert and a representative from the Malaysian Bar in the special committee on shariah laws drew criticism from Malay leaders on both sides of the political divide.
Two days after issuing the proposal, Ngeh apologised and withdrew the suggestion, saying: “As it has now been clarified that the special committee formed by the National Islamic Affairs Council is headed by the sultan of Selangor – which I was not aware of – I hereby withdraw my proposal and tender my sincere apology.”
On January 10, the Beruas MP’s home in Ayer Tawar, Perak, was made the target of a suspected arson attack, which saw the destruction of his Mercedes Benz and extensive damage to the rear and right sides of a Honda CRV, as well as the front part of a Toyota Hilux.
In a press conference following the incident, Ngeh claimed that his statement on shariah laws was distorted by the opposition, which fuelled hatred towards him, particularly within the Muslim community.
Police have since arrested a suspect in connection with the incident, with the man’s remand order extended to tomorrow after he was initially detained last Friday. – January 16, 2024