By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, April 22: The Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) has lodged a police report over two baseless allegations and provocative images on social media that falsely link its president and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian to criminal elements, describing the posts as a coordinated attack on his integrity and reputation.
Political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Kua Jack Seng, said the party is urging authorities to investigate the posts under Sections 499 and 500 of the Penal Code for criminal defamation, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities.
He described the two statements as serious and unethical, alleging they were deliberately crafted to tarnish Dr Sim’s reputation.
Kua further stressed that the posts were made without any basis or credible evidence, and irresponsibly linked the SUPP president to criminal elements through the use of provocative images and misleading captions.
“The content was clearly disseminated with malicious intent, aimed at creating negative perceptions and damaging the reputation of a Sarawak leader,” he told reporters after lodging the report at Satok Police Station today.
He added that such statements fulfil the elements of serious offences under Malaysian law, including provisions related to the spread of false and misleading information.
“This is a clear abuse of digital platforms and cannot be tolerated,” he said.
Kua, who is also SUPP Engkilili branch chief, warned that such content could erode public trust in government institutions, create confusion, incite hatred, and potentially disrupt social harmony if left unchecked.
“It risks fostering a culture of defamation and misinformation if not addressed immediately,” he said.
He urged police to carry out a thorough and uncompromising investigation to identify the original source of the posts and all parties involved, and to take firm legal action against those responsible.
Kua also called for the matter to be referred to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for digital forensic analysis to trace the source, facilitate content removal, and support prosecution under relevant laws.
“Failure to act decisively will send the wrong signal that defamation and the spread of false information can be done with impunity, ultimately undermining the rule of law,” he emphasised.
Also present during the police report were SUPP Women chief Kho Teck Wan and political secretaries Angellie Stephen Raja and Niponi Undek. — DayakDaily
