Summary

  • PAS Youth defends a social media user’s use of “Bang Non” and “ketimbang” in a TikTok video, after accusations of insulting the prime minister.

  • Its chief Afnan Hamimi Taib says the user, who is set to face charges, did nothing wrong.

PAS Youth has come to the defence of a social media user who is expected to face court charges after he uploaded a TikTok video allegedly insulting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Insisting that the 25-year-old gas station attendant had not committed an offence, the Islamist party’s youth wing chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said Anwar should be more open to hearing the people’s voice.

He cited reports of Bachok district police chief Ismail Jamaluddin saying the suspect allegedly uploaded demeaning phrases such as “Bang Non” and “ketimbang” when referring to Anwar.

“I don’t know what he (suspect) did wrong. Bang Non is a friendly nickname, not a (form of) verbal abuse,” Afnan told supporters at a Perikatan Nasional ceramah in Tanjung Keramat, Perak, for the upcoming Ayer Kuning by-election.

“Under the Madani government, even using a nickname can be considered an offence because (the phrase) is said to have insulted the prime minister.

“After this, no one should use nicknames any more. Just call everyone by the name stated on their ICs (identification cards),” he added, drawing a round of laughter from the crowd.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Afnan also pointed out that “ketimbang” was a phrase Anwar himself used in the Dewan Rakyat, after which it was acknowledged by the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).

Announcing last year that the word would be included in the second edition of the Kamus Dewan Perdana, DBP said “ketimbang” is a preposition used to indicate a comparison.

“We can’t use the word ‘ketimbang’, but he (Anwar) was the one who introduced the phrase in Parliament. At that time, no one knew what it meant.

“After that, everyone started using it, but it turns out that (Anwar’s) feelings were slighted,” the Alor Setar MP said.

Police previously said the suspect involved will be charged next week at the Bachok magistrate court as authorities, including the MCMC, wrap up their investigations into the case.

Besides insulting the prime minister, the video was also said to have incited the local community to boycott the government’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

A search of the suspect’s phone following his arrest also uncovered pornographic content.

Umno called to be more firm

Meanwhile, PN information chief Ahmad Faizal Azumu said Umno should be taking a firmer stance regarding current issues.

Responding to Umno’s claims that PN is playing up racial sentiments as part of its campaign for the Ayer Kuning state seat, Faizal said his coalition is merely doing its part to push for a better government.

“Many problems currently faced by the rakyat require firm action (from the government), instead of accusing us (PN) of playing politics when they have failed or are flip-flopping on issues,” he said.

“If Nabil and Era were punished, how can others apologise (and) the matter is considered settled?” the Bersatu vice-president questioned.

Faizal apparently referred to the recent controversy over Sin Chew Daily’s gaffe in publishing an illustration featuring an incomplete Jalur Gemilang flag.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said yesterday that investigation papers regarding the incident have been submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

Apart from the police investigation, the Chinese-language daily is facing a separate investigation by the Home Ministry, and another by the MCMC under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Faizal was apparently also citing the case of radio host Nabil Ahmad and the Era FM radio station, whose parent company was fined RM250,000 after its presenters mocked a Hindu religious ceremony.

MCMC, however, decided against suspending Maestra Broadcast Sdn Bhd’s licence after considering several factors, including the impacts it would have on Era FM’s sister companies that are also operating under the same licence.

The incident also faced police scrutiny, with Razarudin informing Malaysiakini last month that the case’s probe papers have been handed over to the AGC.

Ayer Kuning voters are set to cast their votes on April 26, with PN fielding Tapah PN chief Abd Muhaimin Malek while BN has opted to put forth Tapah Umno secretary Yusri Bakir.

PSM deputy secretary-general Bawani KS makes up the three-cornered race for the state seat, which was declared vacant following the death of its incumbent assemblyperson, Ishsam Shahruddin, 58, who died of a heart attack on Feb 22.

Justice swift for insulting PM, lags in cases like Zamri's - Zaid

Justice swift for insulting PM, lags in cases like Zamri's - Zaid