KEAN Wong, the editor of the book “Rebirth:  Reformasi, Resistance, And Hope in New Malaysia”, was released this evening after serving a one-day remand order. 

Federal CID director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain confirmed that the 58-year-old, who is residing in Sydney, Australia is being investigated under three different sections. 

He was arrested at the Kelana Jaya Immigration Department yesterday when he came to renew his passport. 

“The case is being investigated by Bukit Aman’s Classified Crime Investigation Unit (USJT) D5 under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 8(1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” Shuhaily said in a statement today, adding that the public should not speculate on the case. 

“We also urge the people to tread with caution and care on sensitive topics, especially those concerning the country’s security and sovereignty.” 

On July 10, 2020, then-Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador reportedly said police were tracking down Wong to assist in a probe over the book cover. 

The book sparked controversy as its cover featured a modified image of the national coat-of-arms, which was deemed insulting to the national symbol. 

Investigations into it began on June 29, 2020 following several police reports received from various parties nationwide. 

Police also recorded statements from several individuals, including the painter, publisher, and printer of the book. 

During the investigation, Wong was reported to be in Australia. Police said he had held Australian permanent residency status for more than 10 years. 

Earlier today, a group of some 15 to 20 people held a solidarity gathering for Wong at the Dang Wangi police station. – October 17, 2023.