Opposition MP Wan Saiful raises concerns over police probe into Daim family, citing press freedom issues.

PETALING JAYA: Independent Opposition MP Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan has raised concerns over a police report linked to allegations involving the family of the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, suggesting the report may have been lodged in retaliation after a public relations proposal was rejected.

The Tasek Gelugor MP claimed the police report circulating online was lodged by a media editor who also runs a public relations consultancy, adding that the individual had previously offered PR services to Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid to manage allegations directed at her and her family.

“I understand that the individual had offered PR services to Na’imah to address accusations against her and her family, but the offer was rejected,” he said in a statement.

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Wan Saiful said he could not dismiss the possibility that the police report was made following that rejection.

“If that was the motive, then the integrity of the individual in running both a PR consultancy and a media organisation must be questioned,” he added.

The report, which has gone viral online, alleges that Daim’s family had discussions with a foreign firm to use international media platforms in a campaign deemed improper.

The matter has since prompted investigations under Section 124B of the Malaysian Penal Code, which deals with activities considered detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

Wan Saiful said he has been summoned to provide a statement to the police today but was not informed of the reason for being called.

“I have been told that several individuals from academic and NGO circles have also been called to give statements. I will also be giving my statement, although I am not sure why I was summoned.”

He questioned whether the investigation could be an attempt to associate opposition figures with the issue.

Wan Saiful also expressed concern over the use of Section 124B, noting that parliamentary debates during its introduction in 2012 indicated that the provision was meant to address violent and unconstitutional attempts to overthrow institutions established through democratic processes.

Referring to the Dewan Rakyat Hansard dated April 17, 2012, he said the law was explained as covering activities involving violence or unconstitutional means to topple the parliamentary system.

“How can media activities or public campaigns suddenly be investigated under this section?.

Wan Saiful warned that the probe could set a troubling precedent if such provisions were used to investigate media-related activities, saying it could have wider implications for press freedom.

He added that all Malaysians have the right to defend themselves and respond to allegations through legitimate channels, including the media.

Authorities are currently investigating Daim’s family over allegations that they engaged a foreign firm to use international media platforms in a campaign to destabilise the government.

 The Sun Malaysia