Chegubard at Bukit Aman over posting on KK Chai’s audience with king

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Chegubard at Bukit Aman over posting on KK Chai’s audience with king

08 Apr 2024, 04:12 PM

Badrul Hisham Shaharin says he may be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard (centre), with supporters before entering the Bukit Aman police headquarters to give a statement today.


KUALA LUMPUR: Police have recorded a statement from political activist Badrul Hisham Shaharin over a social media post regarding the recent meeting between Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and the founder of KK Supermart, Chai Kee Kan, at Istana Negara.

Badrul, also known as Chegubard, told reporters he may face investigation under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

“I am here at Bukit Aman because I was summoned by the police regarding my post on April 5, where I defended the image of the Malay Rulers from being tarnished.”

He said he wrote politely and expressed his views on how it was inappropriate for someone charged in court for intentionally wounding the religious feelings of Muslims by selling socks bearing the word “Allah” to be given an audience with the king.

Before entering Bukit Aman, Badrul said the investigation against him was a form of intimidation and that he would not surrender his gadgets and he was also prepared to be arrested.

He then proceeded to give his statement at 12.15pm and exited the police station at 2.30pm.

On April 3, Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to Chai, during which the latter took the opportunity to apologise to the king for the convenience store chain’s sale of the socks.

Sultan Ibrahim later said businesses and retailers, including KK Mart, must be more prudent about the products they put up for sale, especially imported goods.

The KK Mart controversy began on March 13 when photographs of socks bearing the word “Allah” at an outlet in Bandar Sunway were circulated on social media. The company issued an immediate apology.

Sultan Ibrahim had expressed his displeasure at the controversy when it first surfaced, calling for stern action to be taken against those responsible.

Chai and his wife, Loh Siew Mui, who is a KK Mart director, have claimed trial to intentionally wounding the religious feelings of Muslims by selling the socks.

But despite KK Mart’s apology and the court charges, Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh continued to publicly campaign for a nationwide boycott of the convenience store’s outlets.

On March 27, the king urged all parties to stop taking advantage of the controversy, saying the matter should be left to the authorities to handle and that “persistent anger brings no benefit”.

Three KK Mart outlets, including one in Kuching have been subject to petrol bomb attacks following the controversy.