BY JACQUELINE DAVID
KUCHING: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail leaves it to the Sarawak police to investigate police reports filed against Zool Amali Hussin, also known as ‘Bozz Jebat’ for his disrespectful remarks towards Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Saifuddin said the Sarawak police had the prerogative to investigate the matter.
“I will leave that to Sarawak PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) to investigate if the reports were made in Sarawak, and if there is a need to inform me, I believe in the wisdom of (Sarawak Police Commissioner) Datuk Mancha Ata and his team to give me the report,” he said.
He said this when asked if any police investigations would be made following the disrespectful remarks made by ‘Bozz Jebat’ towards the Premier recently at a press conference after officiating at the 234th Prison Day celebration at the Malaysian Prison Complex in Puncak Borneo here, today.
”Any form of malicious, insult, slander, incitement and conflict postings in the social media, that are considered to be any ugly post, the police use three legal sources – the Penal Code, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Act and the Sedition Act.
“The Sedition Act, we use it specifically if the insult affects the institution of the Rulers (Majlis Raja-raja), if you insult the institution of the rulers, the police will investigate based on the Sedition Act.
“If it involves posting aimed at the institution of rulers, religion and race, the Bukit Aman police have a special task force team, which if complaints are made by the public, or the matter is too serious, this task force is their charter client which requires seven days to complete.
“If it is about political differences, one or two people criticising the Prime Minister, it is a non-issue,” said Saifuddin.
As of March 1, 2024, a total of 45 reports have been received from throughout Sarawak relating to the ‘Bozz Jebat’ case.
Under the Sedition Act, a conviction can result in a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years or both.
Similarly, under the MCMC Act, a conviction may lead to a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
These reports were lodged in response to Zool’s video clip, which has gone viral on social media, where he launched insults at Abang Johari and criticised the Premier’s decision to appoint Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing as the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, along with making harsh remarks against Abang Johari.
Meanwhile last Friday, Zool was videoed on his social media platform making an apology for his reckless and unmindful remarks towards the Premier.
