Kota Kinabalu: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Honorary President Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau urged police to apply one impartial standard of law enforcement over reports against a proposed Christian gospel concert.
In a statement, Sunday, the Tuaran Member of Parliament said a police report was information requiring assessment and was not proof that any offence had occurred.
He said the two reports on the concert did not, without evidence, show the event was unlawful.
“The State Police Commissioner reportedly said on Sept. 28 that no investigation paper had been opened, although police were monitoring the matter and considering whether to advise postponement on public-order grounds,” said Madius.
Madius noted that in another case, police opened an investigation after receiving 86 reports over remarks about a priest and a nun by Sepang Umno division chief Datuk Noorazli Said, who later apologised.
He said the two matters involved different facts and should be assessed separately and that the number of reports alone did not prove unequal treatment.
He cited Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution on equality before the law and said any restriction on the concert could also engage the freedom of religion under Article 11.
“Any decision to impose conditions on, postpone or prohibit the event must be based on law and on specific and credible risks,” he said.
Madius said public sensitivity should not act as a veto and that organisers must still meet all licensing, safety and crowd-management requirements.
He called on the police to clarify the status and general legal basis of action in both matters, without compromising any investigation.
“Police reports initiate an assessment. They do not determine its outcome. Sabahans are entitled to one evidence-based standard of law enforcement, applied impartially, without political favour, religious prejudice or surrender to public pressure,” he said.
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