POLICE will be calling in Zakir Naik, Chinese educationist group Dong Zong and tycoon Koon Yew Yin as part of its investigation following reports against them by various groups, said Muhyiddin Yassin.

The home minister said several individuals had already been called in by police as part of its investigation while some are still being monitored.

“If there is proof, further action will be taken under Section 504 of the Penal Code,” he said in a statement tonight.

Section 504 provides for action to be taken against anyone for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

Criminal Investigation Department director Huzir Mohamad today said police have opened an investigation after having received 115 police reports against Zakir.

The controversial Muslim preacher had inflamed racial and religious sentiments with his remarks about the Hindus and the Chinese in the country.

He also said six reports were lodged against the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong), after it vowed to launch a campaign to collect signatures in protest against the introduction of khat calligraphy in vernacular schools and had insisted that the government move is a form of Islamisation.

Koon, who is Gamuda Bhd founder, came under fire from various quarters for a statement deemed disrespectful to the Malaysian armed forces.

Government and opposition parties, as well as pressure groups, criticised the businessman for suggesting that many armed forces personnel had never fired a bullet, done nothing “except eating and sleeping” and should be deployed to Felda plantations.

Retired army major Razali Zakaria, representing Gerakan Memartabat Pejuang Negara Malaysia, lodged a police report against Koon at the Wangsa Maju district police headquarters.

In the police report, Razali said Koon was challenging the professionalism and credibility of the armed forces and sowing hatred towards the force.

Koon subsequently apologised for his remarks.

Muhyiddin said the police are working with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission to monitor statements in social media which can create confusion among the public.

He urged social media users to be careful with what they post on social media.

“I want to remind everyone including non-citizens that enforcement agencies under the Home Ministry will not hesitate to take action against anyone who threatens the harmony and public order in the country,” he said

He cautioned all parties not to issue statements based on assumptions and said everyone should wait for the full report on any incidents in the country from the authorities before commenting.

“This will help stop slanderous statements and unwarranted allegations, “ he said. – August 15, 2019.