Let the law take its course, Zahid told

The Star 
by NEVILLE SPYKERMAN AND CHRISTINA TAN

PETALING JAYA: Various groups have called on police to continue the probe against the group offering a reward to slap Seputeh MP Teresa Kok over her video.

MCA Youth Legal Bureau chairman Eric Choo Wei Sern said both police and the Attorney-General should be free to act against the group.

Expressing its disappointment over Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement in dismissing the threat, bureau chairman Eric Choo Wei Sern said the Home Minister must let the law and procedure take its course.

“Should the A-G decide to prosecute, the finding of whether there was a crime committed should thus be made by the courts of law,” he said, adding that the statement was issued despite police having started investigating the group for inciting others to commit an offence and criminal intimidation.

On Saturday, Dr Ahmad Zahid had said that offering the reward was not a threat and there was no need for an investigation.

Bar Council Human Rights Committee co-chairman Andrew Khoo said the minister’s statement was akin to interfering in police investigations.

“It’s clearly wrong and tantamount to abuse of power,” he said.

By doing nothing, Khoo said, the authorities were condoning the group’s action, adding that this was contrary to the Government’s call for moderation and reconciliation.

RIGHTS Foundation chairman Yusmadi Yusoff said the Home Minister was supposed to be the guardian of public security and should know his role.

“In cases like this, the Government should intervene and send a strong message before the situation deteriorates,” said the former Balik Pulau MP with PKR.

Jihad for Justice chairman Datuk Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim described the statement as “unbecoming”, adding that not taking action would only encourage others to carry out similar acts.

“This is not good for racial harmony and unity,” he said.