Zaid Ibrahim questioned by Bukit Aman over possibly seditious Twitter post

Former law minister arrived at Bukit Aman police headquarters this morning to assist the investigation

Bukit Aman CID chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the minister offered his full cooperation to the authorities. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, September 21, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – Police have recorded a statement from former law minister Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim over one of his Twitter postings last month, supposedly under the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 223 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said Zaid showed up at the Bukit Aman police headquarters here at 10am today to aid in the investigations.

“The tweet in question was posted on August 30. It took some time for police (to summon Zaid) because we had to confirm that the tweet was posted (on) a verified account by the suspect (Zaid).

“(Zaid) provided his full cooperation with police, which made our jobs easier,” Shuhaily said during a press conference at Bukit Aman today.

Commenting on criticism against police for their action against 3R matters, Shuhaily said police do not practise selective investigations in 3R cases. 

“3R issues have become a hot topic (due to how) advancements in communication technology have made it easier for such issues to reach and affect a wide range of people. 

“This matter can threaten national security if the public misinterprets anything that is said (on 3R issues), which is why police have to conduct investigations.”

While police did not mention which specific tweet caused Zaid to be on their radar, checks on his Twitter page showed that he had tweeted a statement regarding the royalty on August 30. 

Yesterday, Zaid tweeted that he had been summoned by police, saying: “Why can’t they be more charitable to a harmless old man like me? I like to tweet. We have no time nor inclination for mischief, no time to incite or cause harm to anyone.

“Sometimes, we want to air our views to socialise and elucidate other viewpoints. Social media can be educational, too.” – September 21, 2023