LETTER | We refer to the statement issued on Dec 1, 2022, by PKR’s secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail denying that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered a police probe against Baling MP Hassan Saad for allegedly calling him an Israeli agent.

Lawyers For Liberty (LFL) finds it surprising that Saifuddin (above) denies the PM ordered the police probe while failing to address the fact that the probe came soon after PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil’s statement that Anwar himself ordered the police to act against those who called him an Israeli agent.

In LFL’s statement on Nov 30, 2022, we said it was an abuse of power for the PM to order police investigations against persons who slander him or call him an Israeli agent, as he is an interested party. We firmly stand by that statement.

It was Fahmi who made the public statement on Nov 28 that Anwar ordered police to investigate those who slander him or call him an Israeli agent. Fahmi’s statement was never rebutted or denied by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) or Anwar himself.

We quote below Fahmi’s exact words.

”Anwar has no intention to take action against those who criticise (him or Pakatan Harapan), but we draw the line at slander and accusations of being an Israeli agent. He has asked the police to take action.”

Subsequent to the statement by Fahmi, the police announced Hassan was being investigated for allegedly claiming Anwar is an Israeli agent. Coming soon after Fahmi’s statement, this clearly raised questions and generated a negative public perception of the administration of justice.

It is thus false, misleading, and ridiculous for Saifuddin to accuse us of making an allegation which actually arose directly from a statement made by Fahmi, who is his own party colleague.

Hence, Saifuddin’s statement has created only further confusion.

It is in the public interest that this matter is promptly clarified. The PMO must now clarify as follows:

1. Did the new PM Anwar Ibrahim give an order for police to investigate slander against himself as well as allegations that he is an Israeli agent, as stated by Fahmi Fadzil?

2. If yes, does the PM stand by this order or retract it, as it involves a matter in which he is an interested party?

This knee-jerk reaction of resorting to the police is worrying and runs counter to their promise of reform. We reiterate that objectionable, false or even offensive statements, even if directed against the PM, do not warrant a criminal investigation.

That should only be reserved for statements which incite violence or injury to the public.

The PM’s reputation and image are not matters of “national interest and security”, as alleged by Saifuddin.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.