Who appoints a federal minister? It’s not Abang Johari. The federal minister is appointed by the Prime Minister. However, I wouldn’t want to deliberate on this matter too much because his (Zool) level is too low for the state leaders to even comment.
– Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Hamzah, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts
THE political landscape of Malaysia has been marred by the reprehensible conduct of PAS member Zool Amali Hussin, popularly known as ‘Bozz Jebat’, whose use of derogatory language against Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has sparked widespread outrage.
Zool’s crude remarks on the appointment of Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing as the federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture is a dangerous trend of disrespect and incivility in Malaysian politics – which if unchecked – will only encourage others to disparage just about anyone, not just political figures and leaders.
Zool’s unsavoury comments, laden with offensive language directed at a respected political figure like Abang Johari — who has contributed so much to Sarawak’s progress and to national political stability — are not only appalling but also reflect a dangerous precedent in the country’s diverse socio-political fabric.
Politics should never stoop to the level of racial animosity and personal attacks, especially in a country as ethnically and religiously diverse as ours.
The decision to appoint Tiong as a federal minister sparked controversy, especially when he demoted Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board director-general Datuk Ammar Abd Ghapar. Regardless of Tiong’s action, Zool’s response crossed all boundaries of decency and respect, demonstrating a glaring lack of integrity and decorum in politics.
Criticism and dissent are fundamental aspects of democracy, and there should always be room for constructive criticism or disagreement. However, such criticism must be done with dignity and respect, devoid of crude and offensive language that only serves to demean and insult others. Remember, we are Malaysians and such offensive language has no place in our culture.
We cannot allow a few loose politicians to undermine national peace and harmony which our forefathers slogged to bring about.
The fact that 45 police reports were lodged as of March 1 against Zool for his behaviour only goes to show the gravity of the situation. The Sarawak police are rightfully investigating the matter, signalling a firm stance against such flagrant disregard for civility and respect.
Kuching district police chief Ahsmon Bajah said the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
It is heartening to see various political figures and leaders condemning the PAS member’s actions and calling for accountability. The 11 political secretaries who lodged a police report against the Malayan politician highlights the unease caused by his divisive rhetoric, which not only insults individuals but also undermines the fabric of Malaysian society.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s commitment to uphold the law and address malicious behaviour on social media platforms is commendable. The legal repercussions outlined under the Sedition Act and the Communications and Multimedia Act serve as a deterrent against those who seek to sow discord and division through hateful speech.
“I will leave it to Sarawak PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) to investigate the reports … I believe in the wisdom of (Sarawak Police Commissioner) Datuk Mancha Ata and his team,” said Saifuddin.
He said the police would use three legal sources, namely the Penal Code, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Act and the Sedition Act to probe any form of malicious, insult, slander, incitement and conflict postings in the social media.
“The Sedition Act, we use it specifically if the insult affects the institution of the Rulers (Majlis Raja-raja); if you insult the institution of the rulers, the police will investigate based on the Sedition Act.
“If it involves posting aimed at the institution of rulers, religion and race, the Bukit Aman police have a special task force team, which if complaints are made by the public, or the matter is too serious, this task force is their charter client which requires seven days to complete.
“And if it is about political differences, one or two people criticising the Prime Minister, it is a non-issue,” he said.
Under the Sedition Act, offenders can be fined up to RM5,000 or jailed for up to three years or both. Similarly, under the MCMC Act, a conviction may lead to a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The collective outrage expressed by Sarawakians against Zool’s actions reveals the deep respect and reverence they hold for their leaders.
Abang Johari has been instrumental in shaping the future of Sarawak since he became the state’s sixth premier; he is also the architect of – through his four-party coalition of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) – the nation’s political stability.
Therefore, any attempt to undermine his authority must be met with swift and decisive action.
Irresponsible individuals like Zool should be made to realise the consequences of their actions and the impact they have on our society. The apologies issued by Zool ring hollow in the face of his continued defiance and refusal to take responsibility for his words.
Last Friday (March 1), Zool was videoed on his social media platform, apologising for his reckless and unmindful remarks towards the Premier. But he stood firm against Tiong, calling for the latter to quit his ministerial post following the controversy involving the demotion of Ammar.
The PAS man also claimed that the video of him insulting both Abang Johari and Tiong that went viral was doctored by various parties, saying that in his original TikTok Live session he never insulted Sarawakians or uttered racist words.
It looks like it is becoming a trend for netizens and politicians to disparage our leaders. In 2022, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Jemoreng lodged a police report against a Facebook user known as Raja Jalai, a Sarawakian, for allegedly insulting Abang Johari in a posting.
A report was filed at the Matu police station against the Facebook user for his rude action and tarnishing the good name of the Premier. The posting showed a face-swapped image of Abang Johari holding a can of alcohol. The matter was very upsetting, especially when it is against Islam to have anything to do with alcohol.
The purpose of the police report was for action to be taken by the authorities against the Facebook user who must be held responsible for his act.
I was among the first persons nationwide to lodge a police report at the Kelana Jaya police station, Petaling Jaya, against Raja Jalai in early April that year.
The FB user was caught by police in Bintulu a few weeks later following numerous police reports against him and I was made to understand that his handphone was confiscated and sent to the MCMC for analysis.
But I am not sure if further action was taken by the authorities against him after that. I didn’t come across any report of any action taken, or perhaps I could have missed the news. I contacted the officer yesterday (March 3) who handled the case and who interviewed me, but was told he had since handed the case to another police officer who apparently consulted the deputy public prosecutor. What happened after that is anybody’s guess!
And in the latest incident, I was also among the first on Feb 29 to lodge a police report (at a police station in Kuching) against Zool. Hopefully action will be taken to serve as a deterrent to other social media users, so they would not abuse their social media accounts to insult or mock others.
The support garnered by Abang Johari and Tiong from various quarters further highlights the widespread condemnation of Zool’s behaviour. As leaders strive to uphold the values of unity and tolerance, it is incumbent upon every citizen to reject divisiveness and embrace civility in our society.
The latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding respect, integrity, and civility in politics. As Sarawakians — and as Malaysians in general — we must stand united against hate speech and divisive rhetoric, reaffirming our commitment to build a society founded on principles of mutual respect, tolerance and understanding. Only then can we truly aspire to have a future characterised by harmony and progress for all.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
