IGP insists police don't favour any race

 

Police have cautioned the public against accusing it of favouritism by questioning its actions in three cases involving the social media.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said that those who make comparisons between the three cases imply that police favour certain races, but in fact, the cases differ due to technicalities of investigations.

"In the case of Siti Fairrah Ashykin Kamaruddin the investigation was swift as she had given full cooperation, surrendered and pleaded guilty.

"In the case of Muhammad Zahier Afiq Zarol Nizam, the man recorded kicking him has yet to come forward to assist and police are asking anyone who has information to assist in order to sped up the matter.

"As for Alvin Tan's case, investigations have led to a court case which is still pending.

"Clearly police perform its duties according to procedures and the law, not selectively according to race or religion," he said in a statement.

Siti Fairrah Ashykin was yesterday sentenced to RM5,000 fine and 240 hours of community service following a viral video of her hitting the car of senior citizen Sim Siak Hong, 68, with a steering lock after a fender bender.

Following the conviction, netizens have shared a 2013 viral video of Muhammad Zahier Afiq repeatedly kicked in the face by a Chinese man, and questioned why police are not acting against the man.

Careful what you share

Others have also disseminated a “collection” of videos uploaded onto the internet of ethnic Chinese men arguing with police to get out of a traffic fine, purportedly to show that Chinese people get away scot-free.

Alvin Tan (right) and his girlfriend Vivian Lee were charged with sedition for making a Facebook posting about breaking fast with a pork dish, which was accused of being insulting to Muslims.

Meanwhile, Khalid also advised netizens to be careful in their interactions as there are law against disseminating false information.

He said that those spreading false information can be jailed for no more than one year or fined up to RM50, 000 or both under the Multimedia and Communications Act, while seditious postings can send someone to jail for up to three years or fined up to RM5,000 or both, for the first offence.

"Internet users must be wise in reviewing the information they receive and not be too excited to share it with a third party, as such sensitive issues can undermine racial harmony, public order and national safety.”

Meanwhile, according to Bernama, police denied allegations of racial clashes which supposedly occurred in Buntong, Ipoh as spread via the social media recently.

Perak police chief Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani stressed that there were no such incidents and they did not receive any reports regarding the incident.

"The situation in Ipoh city is safe and under control. Life goes on as usual and the public do not need to worry about going out for activities," the news agency quoted him as saying today.

Acryl Sani cautioned the people against the spread of unsubstantiated information as it can disrupt public order.