MCA has lashed out at the authorities for probing a Form Five student for sedition for clicking ‘like’ on a pro-Israel Facebook page, saying that the investigation is “totally ridiculous”.

In a statement today, MCA Religious Harmony Bureau chairperson Ti Lian Ker (right) said that such investigations begs the question if any entity, be it tangible or intangible with the word “Israel” in it will be deemed seditious.  

“For example, for anyone including children carolers singing the chorus of the Christmas carol ‘The First Noel’ which ends with ‘Born is the King of Israel’, will they too be subject to questioning under the Sedition Act?

“Will radio and television channels broadcasting ‘The First Noel’ in its programs or movie channels too be probed for sedition?

"For Christian pilgrims who have received the green light from Malaysian authorities to make a spiritual pilgrimage to Israel, will they too be investigated for sedition?” Ti said.

Ti also said that the fifth former who had lodged a police report for protection should not be treated like an offender as it only worsens the victimization of the student.

According to The Star the teen was attacked and threatened online by teachers and students of the school after a screenshot showing he liked the pro-Israel page was uploaded on Facebook by a teacher.

Investigate the teachers

Instead of probing the student, Ti said the public expects the police to take action against the teacher who allegedly wrote: “Kita bakor je hahaha.” (Let’s just burn him hahaha)

“Nevertheless, it is wrong for any teacher to advocate or preach violence, especially so when we are dealing with young impressionable adolescents.

“Young nubile minds may get swayed and have a tendency to go overboard with emotions and lash our violence indiscriminately, more so, when they find justification in God or their religion,” Ti said. 

He also called upon the authorities and educators to practice “common sense” and not turn the boycott call against food and beverage chains McDonald’s and Starbucks into vigilante violence.

Agreeing with Ti, DAP’s Bakri MP Er Teck Hwa (left) said the investigation is overboard as someone may click “like” on a page simply to see the content posted there.

Er also said the case should not be made a priority, and that the police should focus on some other bigger problem instead. 

“They are not established from big criminal group or terrorists but PDRM is so proactive and fast in taking action and arrest compared to other big cases.

“How could people continue to trust the integrity and credibility of this team (PDRM) whose reputation is already badly scratched,” Er said.  

Commenting on the case today, Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said today that the police are caught in a dilemma where they would be criticised whether or not they take action against the 17-year-old.

The anti-Israel movement in Malaysia has reached fever pitch as the Gaza conflict death toll reaches close to 2,000, mostly Palestinian civilians.