IGP: Freedom of speech respected, incitement attempts will face action

KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities will respect the public's right to freedom of expression, but draws the line at any attempts at incitement.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police would not restrict such rights per se, as long as it is undertaken within proper boundaries.
"We will respect the right to freedom of speech and expression, as stated in the Federal Constitution," he said during the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation's 22nd annual general meeting.
In turn Khalid reaffirmed his stance on not tolerating subversive behaviour.
"The freedom to incite, so to speak, and disrespecting the system established by the Constitution with its laws, will certainly not be permitted," he said.
Meanwhile, PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu, or better known as Mat Sabu, and PKR vice-president Chua Tian Chang (Tian Chua), who were arrested in connection with the #KitaLawan rally on Saturday have been released.
Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief SAC Zainuddin Ahmad said Mat Sabu was released at about 11pm on Saturday while Tian Chua was released at about 12pm today.
However, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who was also arrested, was still being held at press time and a member of the #KitaLawan secretariat Fariz Musa has been remanded for two days.
"Fariz Musa is remanded for two days from Sunday until Monday," added Zainuddin.
On Saturday, Fariz was detained by police at Petaling Street, just an hour after the protest ended at about 6.45pm.
According to Zainuddin, Fariz was held under Section 143 of the Penal Code.
Several hours after Fariz was arrested, Khalid, who was also took part in the #KitaLawan rally, was arrested at his house.
"Khalid was detained at his house at about 2.30am. We had to detain him under the Sedition Act, to facilitate investigations," Zainuddin added.
Khalid, a PAS Central Committee member, is the latest to be arrested by police in connection with the #KitaLawan rallies.
This is the second time Fariz was arrested over the #KitaLawan rally. He was first nabbed by the police on March 9, under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act and Section 143 of the Penal Code.
The #KitaLawan rally last Saturday saw hundreds of protesters marching from Sogo shopping complex to Jalan Ampang near Wisma Selangor Dredging where the protesters were blocked by police barricades.
Their demands included the release of Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is serving a five-year term for sodomy, sacking of Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and abolishing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The rally ended peacefully after police did not allow the protesters to proceed and gather in front of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).
Among others arrested in connection with the are Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli and activist Hishamuddin Rais, who at press time are still being held.