Police have received a total of 28 reports nationwide against former Damansara MP Tony Pua following a Facebook post allegedly touching on issues related to Malaysia’s Constitutional Monarchy and the Rukun Negara.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar confirmed that investigations have been launched after reports were lodged across several states.
According to Kumar, the case is being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
He also revealed that all individuals linked to the matter, including Tony Pua, are expected to be called in soon to assist with investigations.
The controversy erupted after Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on Tuesday advised Seri Kembangan assemblywoman Wong Siew Ki and former Selangor exco member Ronnie Liu to visit Dataran Selangor at least once a week to read the Rukun Negara inscription displayed there and to better appreciate the role of the royal institution.
Following the royal statement, Tony Pua posted on Facebook that Malaysia practises a Constitutional Monarchy system where the powers of the King are generally confined to specific areas such as Malay customs, Islam, and constitutional duties including the appointment of the Menteri Besar and consent for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.
The post quickly drew backlash from several political leaders, with critics accusing the DAP veteran of making remarks deemed sensitive and disrespectful towards the monarchy.
The issue has since sparked heated debate online, with many Malaysians weighing in on the limits of freedom of expression when discussing matters involving the royal institution and national principles.
