KUALA LUMPUR – The police have opened an investigation paper over Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s alleged statement claiming that it is “haram” to vote for rival Pakatan Harapan’s Pulai candidate in Saturday’s by-election.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the investigation will be carried out under Section 505 of the Penal Code (statements conducing to public mischief) and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia 1998 (misuse of online network).
Razarudin added that the police received a report over Muhyiddin’s statement, and the case is being investigated by Bukit Aman’s Classified Crime Investigation Unit.
“Moving forward, the police will take his (Muhyiddin’s) statement in the near future,” Bernama quoted him as saying.
Suhaizan Kayat is PH’s candidate for the Pulai by-election.
Today, the religious minister slammed a political leader’s “fatwa” proclamation against voting for the PH candidate in the Pulai by-election, cautioning that such statements would only serve to “punish” those with opposing views.
Religious affairs minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the tendency to issue directives without proper guidance will lead to misunderstanding in society and violate the sanctity of religious teachings.
The Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections are being called due to the unexpected vacancy of the seats following the death of the incumbent Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub – who was also the domestic trade and cost of living minister – on July 23.
The Election Commission set the by-elections for the two seats to be held simultaneously, with early voting on September 5 and polling day on September 9. – September 4, 2023