MCMC questions PAS leader over army promotion racist post

Summary

• PAS leader Zaharudin Muhammad was summoned by the MCMC over a racist social media post about Malaysia’s first Chinese lieutenant general.

• His phone and SIM card were seized, and he’s being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.

• The post imagined a future Chinese prime minister, sparking concerns over racial provocation and national unity.

A PAS leader who painted a racist dystopia over the news of Malaysia’s first Chinese lieutenant general was summoned by MCMC for questioning on Saturday, during which his handphone was also seized for investigation.

According to a statement issued by the MCMC, it recorded the statement of an individual over a social media post that contained elements of racism.

“The content touched on the appointment of a new Armed Forces lieutenant general, with a racial narrative that could potentially disrupt the country’s harmony and unity.

“Following this, the individual was summoned to give his statement and facilitate the investigation. MCMC also seized a handphone and SIM card for investigation.

“The probe is being conducted under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a penalty of a maximum RM500,000 fine or two years’ jail, or both,” the statement read.

While MCMC did not name the individual, Malaysiakini understands the person was Sungai Buloh PAS division chief Zaharudin Muhammad.

Malaysiakini has reached out to him for comments.

It was reported that Zaharudin, who is also PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s son-in-law, made a post on Facebook where he appeared to take issue with the appointment of Malaysia’s first Chinese lieutenant general.

He penned a news report from the future about a hypothetical scenario in 2058, when a Chinese person has become the 50th prime minister.

The person was said to be from Kampung Sungai Baru, which is now a Malay enclave, and that the person’s parents got citizenship via the Malaysia My Second Home migration scheme.

“It’s not impossible that news like this will come out and be neutral in 30, 40 years from now,” he added.

Zaharudin also attached a screenshot of a news article regarding the promotion of Johnny Lim Eng Seng from major general to lieutenant general.

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