PUTRAJAYA must stop its investigation into activist Hishamuddin Rais over his supposed criticism of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, his lawyer Zaid Malek said today.

Zaid said the probe and the raid on Hishamuddin’s house yesterday were clearly strong-arm tactics intended to intimidate his client.

“The investigation against Hisham is an outrage,” said Zaid in a statement.

Hishamuddin was questioned by the police yesterday over a blog post that raised questions about Anwar’s health. He was questioned at the Brickfields police station in Kuala Lumpur before being taken to his house. Then he was brought back to the police station again to record his statement.

Zaid said the police had wanted to seize Hishamuddin’s computer but changed their mind.

The lawyer said the April 25 post under investigation was originally written by former MP Tamrin Ghafar.

Hishamuddin is being investigated under section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Zaid called section 233 of the CMA an oppressive, draconian law which the Pakatan Harapan political coalition led by Anwar had promised to repeal.

“Instead, they are wielding section 233 against a veteran and respected civil rights activist who once stood shoulder to shoulder with Anwar Ibrahim and other PH leaders for a better Malaysia.

“The investigation is a farce as it is clear that the writing Hishamuddin is being investigated for was not written by him but a republication of a writing by someone else,” said Zaid.

He added that about 10 officers from the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission participated in the search of Hishamuddin’s house yesterday.

“This was clearly a strong-arm tactic to intimidate Hishamuddin,” he said.

Zaid also questioned the need for the investigation into criticisms against the PM.

“Is it the law now that the PM cannot be criticised? It is appalling that this is happening under a ‘reformist’ PM who once spoke reverently on the right to free speech.

“Yet he now indiscriminately uses enforcement authorities against his critics, utilising the very laws that he once solemnly promised to repeal.

“Are we now emulating North Korea or China where the leader is above the rule of law?”

He added that if Anwar had felt defamed by the said writing, he could have filed a civil suit.

“He holds no special position under the law and he is not entitled to have his personal reputation protected by publicly funded enforcement authorities.

“It is a gross abuse of power and a waste of taxpayers’ money for enforcement authorities to be using resources to preserve the PM’s personal reputation.”

Zaid said the politically motivated probe of Hishamuddin must be dropped at once. He said the government must suspend the use of section 233 pending repeal.

“Let Hishamuddin’s persecution be the last under the notorious section 233 of the CMA.” – The Vibes, July 5, 2024.