Racism: 30 investigation papers opened since May 2018

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told Dewan Rakyat that 30 investigation papers (IP) related to racism have been opened by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) between May 2018 and September this year.

Of the cases, he said, two were brought to court and are currently in the trial stage.

“Ten were referred to the deputy public prosecutor and have been classified as NFA (no further action), while the balance of 18 are still under police investigation,” he said in a written statement posted in the Malaysian Parliament’s website yesterday.

Muhyiddin was responding to Azman Ismail (Pakatan Harapan-Kuala Kedah) who had asked about the number of individuals that had been charged in court for circulating racist messages since May 2018, and the punishment imposed.

Muhyiddin said the police were also monitoring offensive messages on social media and would take the necessary action, to safeguard racial harmony.

“Any issue involving racial sentiment will be addressed, taking into account the importance of public safety and order, in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“PDRM will conduct the investigations meticulously to ensure that the actions taken could mollify racial and religious hatred,” he said.

- Bernama