'Drop probe against MCA Youth leader over mobile data collection'

Summary

• MIC Youth chief Arvind Krishnan urges authorities to drop probe against Pahang MCA Youth leader Wong Siew Mun, who questioned mobile data collection project.

• He says the Communication Ministry should respond to the issue by being transparent instead of getting authorities to take action

• MCA deputy president Mah Hang Soon urges the government not to treat dissenters as enemies

MIC Youth came to the defence of Pahang MCA Youth leader Wong Siew Mun, who was questioned and had her phone confiscated by police after raising concerns about Putrajaya's mobile data collection project.

In a statement, MIC Youth chief Arvind Krishnan said the Communications Ministry should have provided better transparency and detailed explanations to the public instead of resorting to police investigations.

"While we respect the responsibilities carried out by the police, this move undeniably gives the impression of intimidation. It sets a dangerous precedent, especially when young leaders are targeted for raising matters of public interest.

"Wong (above) merely echoed the concerns of thousands of Malaysians who view the silent and vague rollout of this data collection policy as a potential infringement on personal privacy.

"The seizure of her phone and the recording of her statement under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act sends a chilling message to all Malaysians: asking questions could get you investigated," he said.

Arvind was responding to reports of a police investigation against Wong, who was reportedly called to Bukit Aman on Wednesday to give a statement regarding her remarks in a TikTok video earlier this month.

The MCA Youth leader had questioned MCMC's order for telecommunications companies to provide detailed records about their users’ phone and internet usage.

Cease investigation

Adding further, Arvind pointed out that the Federal Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression, and what happened in Wong's case was not the Malaysia they envisioned under the Madani government.

"Today, it’s Wong. Tomorrow it could be any one of us. We cannot allow fear to replace dialogue in the political landscape of Malaysia.

"We urge the authorities to immediately cease the investigation and respect the democratic rights afforded to every Malaysian citizen.

"At the same time, the Communications Ministry must engage openly with all stakeholders including youth movements and civil society to provide clarity on the data collection initiative, its scope, its necessity, and the safeguards in place.

"MIC Youth stands in full solidarity with Wong Siew Mun. We will not tolerate any form of state sanctioned pressure on young leaders who choose to speak up on behalf of the people," he added.

Calmly respond

On the same note, MCA deputy president Mah Hang Soon urged the government to "calmly respond" to public criticisms instead of treating dissenters as their enemies.

He said a healthy and confident government should not punish those who raise questions, and pointed out that Wong's concerns were also not without basis.

"If this becomes normal, who will still dare to speak out - online, in public forums, or at discussion panels?

"Democracy is not only about supporting agreeable voices; it also means tolerating uncomfortable questions and opposing views.

"MCA is not advocating for uncontrolled speech, but we do believe that government actions must meet a higher bar of transparency than critics are held to.

"If the government has nothing to hide, then Wong’s question - featured in her TikTok video - should be answered publicly with facts," Mah said, adding that the incident should not have escalated into a criminal investigation.

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