KUALA LUMPUR – Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) have affirmed their non-involvement with certain individuals who displayed an image of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim in Kuala Kubu Baharu.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said both coalitions have verified that the stunt was not part of the campaign by either of their candidates – DAP’s Pang Sock Tao and Bersatu’s Khairul Azhari Saut.
“It has been confirmed by PH and PN that (the gimmick) was not part of their campaign,” Fahmi said briefly during a press conference after officiating the International Regulatory Conference 2024 here, today.
Organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the two-day conference features international speakers who are here to share insights and engage in dialogues on regulatory frameworks and emerging technologies.
The minister added that the investigation will be left to the police before the case is presented to the Attorney-General’s Chambers for further action.
Meanwhile, PH election director for the Kuala Kubu Baharu poll Ng Sze Han, in a statement, said that the coalition had never instructed its machinery to campaign in such a manner, but they will cooperate with investigations.
He added that using the Agong’s picture during an election campaign is inappropriate and should not have happened.
Yesterday, police arrested two men and seized a four-wheeled vehicle for allegedly displaying the image of the Agong in Kuala Kubu Baharu.
Hulu Selangor district police chief Ahmad Faizal Tahrim said the two men in their 60s were detained in the vicinity of Ulu Yam Lama after a report was lodged over the matter.
“The vehicle displayed the images of the Agong and the image of the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), and party flags at the back of the vehicle.”
An investigation paper has been under Section 4(A) of the Election Offences Act and Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
Both suspects, one of whom had a criminal record, were remanded for three days beginning yesterday to assist in the investigation. – May 6, 2024