'Dah makan dedak': Deputy speaker files police report on 'offensive' video

Deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker Ramli Mohd Nor has lodged a police report against a man accused of defaming him through at least two videos uploaded on TikTok last week.

Speaking to reporters in Parliament, Ramli said his report was lodged at Sentul police station earlier today under Sections 504 and 505(c) of the Penal Code.

The two provisions criminalise intentional insults that provoke a breach of peace, as well as statements conducing to public mischief with intent to incite.

“The allegations made through the TikTok account are baseless, irresponsible and have elements of incitement,” said the Cameron Highlands MP who accused the man of smearing his reputation as the sole Orang Asli lawmaker.

Ramli said offensive remarks include accusations that he “makan dedak” (taking bribes) and “makan tahi” (taking crap) - indirectly implying that his views on issues affecting Orang Asli were influenced by his position in government.

“He (Ramli) is afraid of losing his salary, he’s not defending Orang Asli, he wants to destroy Orang Asli.

“Is that how a YB acts? There’s no use for people supporting him,” said Ramli, quoting the man in the TikTok video.

Asked to clarify what could have triggered the allegations against him, Ramli said following the Bumiputera Economic Congress in March, he had reiterated proposals to amend the Federal Constitution as a source of power for the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954.

“What I was made to understand, there are a few individuals, few groups who disagreed, if possible they do not want the Federal Constitution to be amended,” he said.

The Umno lawmaker declined to comment on whether the man in the video is also an Orang Asli, and instead asked journalists to view it on their own.

Defamation suit being mulled

Ramli will also be lodging a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for improper use of a service network.

Depending on the outcome of the police probe, Ramli said he will also consider filing a defamation suit against the TikTok account owner.

As Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker, Ramli does not participate in debate proceedings but has on occasion requested permission to intervene and raise issues affecting Orang Asli.

Last year, Ramli said Schedule Nine of the Federal Constitution listed the welfare of the Orang Asli as part of federal matters, while the land is under the jurisdiction of the state.

As such, he said amending the Constitution to include the welfare of Orang Asli into the concurrent list with shared federal-state powers would be a solution to their issues.

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