The police focused on the organisational aspect of the Aug 27 Tangkap Malaysian Official 1 rally, in questioning DAP Pasir Pinji state assemblyperson Howard Lee today.

“The questions were more towards the organisation of the rally. But as far as Lee is concerned, he has no knowledge of the organisers and so on,” said DAP lawyer Ramkarpal Singh.

Lee was investigated under Section 9 of Peaceful Assembly Act and Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for, among other things, issuing statements that could cause “fear or alarm to the public”.

The charge carries a maximum two-year jail term, or fine, or both, upon conviction. The charge stipulates an exception, however, and says that “it does not amount to an offence within the meaning of this section, when the person making, publishing or circulating any such statement, rumour or report is true and makes, publishes or circulates it without any such intent as aforesaid”.

“We are made to understand from the investigation officer that there is a likelihood of me being charged under 505(b), but it has not been done yet,” said Lee.

Lee defended his speech during the rally where he urged the authorities to arrest MO1, who he alleged was Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

“It is the right of young people to have the room to say whatever they need to say. Notwithstanding what has been said, or what I have been accused of, I think it is important that freedom of speech is upheld for all young people and for all Malaysians,” he added.

Last week, DAP MP Teo Kok Seong, PKR Youth leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and seven students were arrested and investigated under the same sections.

In the rally, about 1,500 protestors gathered, urging action against MO1, who was mentioned in the United States Department of Justice's report on the 1MDB scandal.