Cops investigating UM graduate for intentional insult

Alfian Z.M. Tahir Alfian Z.M. Tahir Updated 4 years ago · Published on 16 Oct 2019 5:33PM · 6 Comments

Universiti Malaya graduate Wong Yan Ke is being investigated for intentional insult over his call for the university's vice-chancellor to resign during a convocation ceremony. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, October 16, 2019.

STUDENT activist Wong Yan Ke, who protested against Universiti Malaya’s Vice-Chancellor Abdul Rahim Hashim during a convocation ceremony on Monday, is being probed for intentional insult.

Wong said police told him he is being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentional insult to break the public peace.

“I was asked on the incident and about what happened during the ceremony. I am being investigated under Section 504 of the Penal Code,” he told reporters after being questioned by police for about two hours today at the Brickfields police station.

The civil engineering graduate caused a stir when he held up a sign stating the reasons why Rahim must resign.

Wong said Rahim was “promoting racism and hatred” in an allegedly racist speech at the Malay Dignity Congress earlier this month.

After receiving his scroll on stage, Lim unfolded a sign while shouting out “Tolak Rasis” (Reject racists), “Undur VC” (vice-chancellor resign) and “This is Malaysia”, in the presence of Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah, who is the UM chancellor.

The university administration made a police report soon after, prompting the investigation.

It is learnt that eight police reports have so far been lodged against the Penang-born student.

Wong was today accompanied by lawyer Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi.

Wong's lawyer Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi says the police should not be investigating his client for intentional insult as an act of protest does not qualify for the offence. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, October 16, 2019.

Asheeq later said Section 504 of the Penal Code cannot be used against Wong as his criticism on Rahim can’t be deemed as an insult.

“He did not make any personal attack and he was up on the stage to criticise the remarks made by the VC during the Malay Dignity Congress,” said Asheeq.

At the congress, Rahim allegedly said the change in government after the 14th general election had eliminated Malay political dominance and Malay privileges are being questioned as a result.

Rahim also allegedly warned others not to challenge the social contract.

Speaking to The Malaysian Insight yesterday, Wong defended his actions.

“Many have accused me of being rude and disrespectful to the sultan but he was not there.

“I got my scroll from Ramli Ngah Talib,” Wong said.

“I did not interrupt the ceremony. Right after I received my scroll, I walked to the front where the vice-chancellor was sitting, just took out a placard and demanded his resignation.  

“It took less than 30 seconds and I walked down the stage immediately after that,” he said.

In March, Wong protested near the entrance of Universiti Malaya when former prime minister Najib Razak was speaking at a forum in the university.

The student was manhandled by Najib’s supporters and Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Noor Adam was charged along with three others with two counts of assaulting him. – October 16, 2019.

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Comments

  • Our police very efficient when it comes to minority . Always being a big bully.

    Posted 4 years ago by Adrian Tan · Reply

  • This is a travesty of justice. The real culprit Rahim Hashim should instead be investigated for making hate speech and formenting racial hatred. All right minded Malaysians will condemn what UM and PDRM is doing in this case.

    Posted 4 years ago by Panchen Low · Reply

  • How about charging Rahim Hashim with intent to insult the intelligence of the Malaysian people

    Posted 4 years ago by Julian Nagelsmann · Reply

  • Sack the Vice Chancellor lah. Today is year 2019 , one can't even voice his discontent of an event, where us democracy, sadly not found in MU.

    Posted 4 years ago by James Wong · Reply

  • A solitary student protest and ask the VC to resign is tantamount to insult, but the VC using hate speech and calling non Muslim Malaysians foreigners is ok. It really makes me laugh! It is blatant misuse of power and double standard! Lawyers must get ready to sue VC's pants off!

    Posted 4 years ago by Alex Liew · Reply

  • The UM students and alumni should be making police reports against the VC for sedition.

    Posted 4 years ago by Gerard Lourdesamy · Reply