Coalition of NGOs Lodges Police Report Over Video Allegedly Defaming Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

A coalition of 20 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has lodged a police report over a video that allegedly defames Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in connection with his recent interview with CNN.

The video, which has gone viral, was believed to have been uploaded by an individual to the Papa Berry Studios channel. Sekretariat Gerak Gempur Media Sosial Rakyat spokesman Shahbudin Embun stated that the video claimed Anwar recognized Israel’s existence, which is aimed at inciting and provoking the public, especially the Muslim community.

“This is slander, malicious and an insult to him (Anwar),” Shahbudin said when met at the Dang Wangi police headquarters. “We know that Anwar has fought for the Palestinians’ rights since he was a youth. We will not compromise in this matter.”

Police Investigation Under Sedition Act and Sosma

Shahbudin hopes that the police will investigate the case under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman confirmed that they had received the report and said the case would be referred to Bukit Aman’s classified crime investigation unit.

Clarification on Prime Minister’s Statement

Anwar was reported to have said “Malaysia recognised Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself”, based on footage of the interview. However, last Friday, Anwar stressed that Malaysia remains consistent in its stance on Israel and emphasized that Putrajaya has never diplomatically recognised the state’s existence.

“What needs to be understood is that we do not recognise Israel in terms of diplomatic relations and do not allow them to conduct trade or official activities in Malaysia,” he said. “Israel exists as a country in the context of membership in the United Nations, but we still reject official recognition of the country,” he told a press conference with Malaysian media in Lima, Peru.

Conclusion

The coalition of NGOs is urging the police to take stern action against the individual who uploaded the video and to investigate the matter thoroughly. The case highlights the need for responsible reporting and dissemination of information, particularly on sensitive topics such as geopolitics and international relations.

FAQs

* Who lodged the police report?
A coalition of 20 non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
* What is the alleged defamatory content in the video?
The video claims that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recognized Israel’s existence
* What are the laws under which the police will investigate the case?
The Sedition Act 1948 and the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma)