Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid has lodged a police report against Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan following his Facebook post which claimed that "infidels" wanted to "bring down Islam".

Speaking to reporters outside of the Timur Laut district police headquarters, Penang, today, she said the statement has the potential to harm the multiracial unity of this country.

“The statement can disturb public order. It is not even an exaggeration if we say that it can trigger inter-racial riots,” said the DAP leader after lodging the report. She was accompanied by Tanjong Amanah Youth chief Mohd Faruk Abdul Rahman (above, right).

The MP added that Fawwaz’s action was a violation of Sections 499 and 505 (b) and (c) of the Penal Code as well as Section 233 of the MCMC Act 1998.

Sections 499 and 505 of the Penal Code deal with defamation, intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace and statements conducing to public mischief. It is punishable with up to two years imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 is for improper use of network facilities, which is punishable with up to one-year imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Cheap publicity

Syerleena (above, left) stressed that Fawwaz has “ weaponised his social media to fan the flames of hatred among his supporters for political gain”.

“This is certainly not the first time Fawwaz has tried to stir up racial tension amid the heat of the upcoming state elections.

“He should avoid cheap publicity by capitalising on racial and religious sentiments, even if he does not have the intellectual capacity to debate broader economic and policy issues for the benefit of the majority of society.

“He should immediately realise that he is a representative of the people from all walks of life, not just a certain religion or race,” said the MP.

She also urged the police to not remain silent but investigate Fawwaz’s actions so that they can be corrected immediately for the good of religion and country.

Two days ago, Fawwaz apologised for the statement, claiming that it was written and uploaded by another person who was the administrator of the Facebook account.

The post read: "In sirah (Prophet's teachings), history shows there has never been an infidel who wants to uphold your religion, dear Muslim, but it has always been reminded in the Quran that (they are out to) bring down your religion.”

The original statement, however, is no longer accessible. The MP said he has forgiven the administrator of his Facebook account.

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