TAWAU: Allegations by social media users regarding the Zara case, including criminal threats against forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu, have been excessive, according to Minister of Communications, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He reminded that while people have the right to voice their opinions, there are limits and boundaries and it should not go as far as defaming or humiliating someone, which violates the laws of the country.
“One example I deeply regret is a former headmaster in Semporna who was arrested for spreading or making statements on social media that constituted criminal threats against Dr Jessie, who is the first witness in the Zara inquest.
“This is too much... We leave it to the authorities to take further action,” he said, after the launch of the Integrated Mobile Radio and Internet Communication System (PRIME) during the “Day with the Community” (HBK) program at the National Information Dissemination Center (Nadi), Kg Sungai Imam, Sunday.
Fahmi said Criminal Investigation Department Director, Datuk M. Kumar S. Muthuvelu, had stated that the Zara case has no connection to any VIP or VVIP. However, some parties still circulated posts alleging that the case was linked to ministers.
Among those mentioned by netizens were the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, as well as the Governor of Sabah, even though the case has no direct connection.
“Enforcement actions have been taken by police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC),” he said.
Regarding the incident where a woman climbed the stage to approach the Sultan of Perak during the recent State-level National Day celebration in Perak, Fahmi said more than 40 offensive posts were uploaded by social media users, including those containing racial slurs.
He said one claim was that it was a Chinese woman when she was actually Malay.
An Assemblyman and other individuals were called to give statements as they were suspected of spreading false news.
“Out of the 40 posts uploaded, 30 were found to be fake accounts used to spread slander… The Ministry has requested MCMC to delete the involved accounts,” he said.
On whether former Chief Secretary of the Ministry of National Unity, Datuk Ruji Ubi, would contest the Merotai seat in the 17th State Election (PRN17), he said:“I am not the party president (PKR). I am only a member of the Central Leadership Council and Information Chief. I have not received any instructions.”
