The police have opened an investigation into an alleged statement made by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu discrediting the security forces, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said today.  

He said the probe was to be conducted under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code on the making, publishing or circulating of any statement, rumour or report with the intention to cause fear or alarm to the public.

"We have received up to 49 reports on the matter so far. The (alleged) statement has alarmed the public. It has hurt members of the nation's security forces and the families of the victims of the Bukit Kepong tragedy," he told reporters after a visit to the Ops Sikap canopy at Jalan Sungai Buloh.

Mohamad was alleged to have said at a ceramah in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, on Aug 21 that the communist terrorists who attacked and killed 25 police personnel and their families in the Bukit Kepong tragedy were the real heroes because they were fighting against the British.

He was quoted as saying in the official PAS organ yesterday that he was trying to retrieve a taped recording of his speech before taking any action over what he said could be misinterpretation of his statement.

"I do not remember whether I had said that. I am looking for the taped recording," he was quoted as saying.

'Mohamad discrediting police'

Meanwhile, two reports were lodged at the Ampang district police headquarters condemning the alleged statement by Mohamad, by Ampang Umno division head Ismail Kijo and Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong Malaysia president Adiwijaya Abdullah, at about 4 pm along with several NGOs.

Both the reports urged the authorities to penalise Mohamad severely, including detaining him under the Internal Security Act (ISA) or having him arrested, saying as he had discredited the security forces.  

In Georgetown, Penang Wanita Umno lashed out at Mohamad Sabu, saying his speech was driven by emotion rather than clear thought and historical facts.

Its head, Zabariah Wahab, said Mohamad was prepared to discredit the police who defended the country against the communist terrorists who were the nation's real enemies.

Meanwhile, the Penang branches of the Malaysian Ex-Policemen's Association and Malaysian Ex-Servicemen's Association and the Persatuan Suara Anak-Anak Malaysia held a peaceful demonstration in front of Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) to condemn the alleged statement by the PAS leader.

- Bernama