Explain arrests of podcaster duo, Rayer urges IGP, Saifuddin
Jelutong MP says the authorities should clear the air on the allegedly controversial remarks made in the podcast that led to their arrests
Jelutong MP RSN said the arrests of the duo do not reflect the spirit of Reformasi.
PETALING JAYA: Jelutong MP RSN Rayer has urged home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail to explain the arrests of two men two days ago over a podcast.
While police said they were detained for allegedly touching on religious issues on the podcast, Rayer urged the authorities to clarify the purportedly seditious remarks made by the pair.
“What was so controversial about their podcast? The public demands answers,” the DAP MP said in a statement.
“Podcasting is not a crime. Political discourse must not be governed by a fear of reprisals. Their arrests do not reflect the spirit of Reformasi.
“A political discussion, even if controversial, uncomfortable, and containing strongly expressed political opinions — however distasteful — cannot automatically become a criminal matter warranting arrests by police.”
Yesterday, police said the pair, one in his 30s and the other in his 60s, were arrested after a report was lodged against them over a video clip of the two men discussing secularism and liberalism on the podcast.
Klang Utara police chief Ramsay Embol said they were being investigated for sedition, making statements that cause fear among the public, and wounding religious feelings.
Rayer seeks update on other cases
Rayer also urged the police to give an update on a report filed against controversial preacher Ridhuan Tee Abdullah over a series of Facebook posts allegedly containing racist and provocative remarks.
He also sought an update on the investigation against Jempol MP Shamsulkahar Deli over remarks allegedly linking DAP to an image deemed insulting to the Sultan of Selangor.
While police said they were detained for allegedly touching on religious issues on the podcast, Rayer urged the authorities to clarify the purportedly seditious remarks made by the pair.
“What was so controversial about their podcast? The public demands answers,” the DAP MP said in a statement.
“Podcasting is not a crime. Political discourse must not be governed by a fear of reprisals. Their arrests do not reflect the spirit of Reformasi.
“A political discussion, even if controversial, uncomfortable, and containing strongly expressed political opinions — however distasteful — cannot automatically become a criminal matter warranting arrests by police.”
Yesterday, police said the pair, one in his 30s and the other in his 60s, were arrested after a report was lodged against them over a video clip of the two men discussing secularism and liberalism on the podcast.
Klang Utara police chief Ramsay Embol said they were being investigated for sedition, making statements that cause fear among the public, and wounding religious feelings.
Rayer seeks update on other cases
Rayer also urged the police to give an update on a report filed against controversial preacher Ridhuan Tee Abdullah over a series of Facebook posts allegedly containing racist and provocative remarks.
He also sought an update on the investigation against Jempol MP Shamsulkahar Deli over remarks allegedly linking DAP to an image deemed insulting to the Sultan of Selangor.
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