Cop's lewd gesture at photographer goes viral, PN wants stern action

Summary:

• Perikatan Nasional Women chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin condemned a police officer for making lewd gestures at a photographer during a protest.

• Mas Ermieyati emphasised that the officer’s actions violated Section 509 of the Penal Code, which punishes actions intended to insult modesty, and urged the photographer to file a police report to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Perikatan Nasional women’s wing chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has condemned a police officer who was caught on camera making lewd gestures at a photographer during a protest.

The images, which have since gone viral on social media, were also shared by the whistleblower Telegram group Edisi Siasat.

“This immoral act has ignited anger and disappointment, especially among women, who expect respect and integrity in every action taken by the authorities,” Mas Ermieyati (above) stated.

She emphasised that such behaviour not only damages the reputation of the police but also undermines the dignity of women.

The PN lawmaker highlighted that the officer’s action violated Section 509 of the Penal Code.

“Under this section, those found guilty can face imprisonment for up to five years, a fine, or both.

“This is a serious offence that demands appropriate action to send a clear message that no individual, especially those in uniform, can escape their responsibilities,” she added.

Section 509 pertains to “whoever, intending to insult the modesty of any person, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or such gesture or object shall be seen by that person, or intrudes upon that person’s privacy”.

The incident allegedly occurred at the pro-Palestine protest organised by Gegar Amerika outside of the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (Dec 13).

Call for investigation

Mas Ermieyati urged the photographer to file a police report to facilitate an investigation and ensure that stringent measures are taken against the officer involved.

“We will not compromise in ensuring justice is served. All police officers should exemplify professionalism and respect for human rights in carrying out their duties,” she stressed.

“As an organisation advocating for women’s rights and safety, we will continue to monitor the progress of this investigation and ensure that incidents like this do not recur,” she added.

Furthermore, Mas Ermieyati called on the authorities to enhance training and raise awareness among police officers about ethics, respect for human rights, and the importance of upholding the dignity and integrity of the police force.

The photographer, who shared the images on Instagram, expressed intent to de-normalise and shame such behaviour.

“I was there to document a protest to save human lives and protect human rights, and this police officer took the opportunity to treat me as a sexual object. This is not a joke, it is sexual harassment,” the photographer stated.

Malaysiakini is seeking the photographer’s permission to reproduce the Instagram post.

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