JOHOR BARU: Police here are investigating a post on a PAS-linked Facebook page implicating Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim in a graft case involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
State police chief Comm M. Kumar confirmed a report was made at the Penawar police station in Kota Tinggi on Saturday (June 29) at around 4.05pm following the post made by a person handling the Pas Malaysia Fan Club (Kelab Penyokong Pas Malaysia) account.
“The post implicated Tunku Ismail in a corruption allegation against an individual believed to be Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin," said Comm Kumar.
He added in a statement on Sunday (Feb 30) morning that the post was made on Jan 28 last year and is still accessible on Facebook.
Comm Kumar then said that Bukit Aman is investigating the report under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The case is still being investigated and the public should be smart social media users and not use the platform by going against the law,” he said.
Comm Kumar also said action would be taken against any individual who put up social media posts or shared information that is seditious, accusatory or fake that could affect public order and national security.
On Saturday, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said a police report has been lodged on allegations implicating Tunku Ismail in a corruption issue involving the MACC.
He added that the allegations involve RM20mil in corruption, and said that they are a vicious attempt to undermine the Royal institution.
“The allegations that have been making rounds on social media are slander against the Johor Regent.
“The state government views this as a malicious attempt to bring down the Royal institution. It is also irresponsible and disrespectful,” he said in a statement.
Onn Hafiz said the state government views the matter seriously and will not compromise with any parties threatening the harmony and sovereignty of Johor and the country.
“As such, we have lodged a police report on the matter. We urge the authorities to carry out investigations and take strict action against those involved,” adding that he hopes the matter would not be prolonged further.
It is learned that the allegations were made early last year but have recently resurfaced and made the rounds on social media.
It claimed that Tunku Ismail had accused MACC anti-money laundering director Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin of soliciting RM20mil from a company.