The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia (MCMC) is investigating those who misused a photo of former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail to show as though he is being mistreated.

Its statement today is accompanied by a screenshot of Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin’s ( photo ) Facebook posting that features the photo, as well as a 2013 news report showing the same photo.

“The MCMC has found that a photo of the former attorney-general being accompanied by the police has been misused in a way that may threaten parliamentary democracy in this country.

“The photo was published in 2013 during his visit in Lahad Datu, but was repurposed to appear as though he is being mistreated,” MCMC said in a statement today.

The photo shows a casually dressed Gani passing through a door while accompanied by the police, including one holding an assault rifle that is shown prominently in the photo.

Sim had captioned the photo saying, “This is how the ex-AG is treated. Speechless.”

It is not clear when Sim’s posting was made, but it has since been taken down.

Legal action

Meanwhile, the MCMC warned that it would take legal action against those found to have spread slander and false news through social media and WhatsApp.

Abdul Gani was removed from office on Monday last week due to ‘health problems’, but Abdul Gani himself appeared shocked when told of the news.

“Abdul Gani will continue serving the country as a judicial and legal service officer until he undergoes mandatory retirement on Oct 6, 2015,” government chief secretary Ali Hamsa ( photo ) had said in his announcement last week.

Since then, rumours had spread that Abdul Gani has been arrested, but the police have denied this.

Malaysiakini has asked Sim for his comment and is awaiting his reply.