Editor’s note: This story has been amended to reflect that Ali Biju was responding to concerns over Joseph Tawie being brought in for questioning by police and not as previously stated. Additional details also added about Joseph’s intention to file a counter police report.
KUCHING, Feb 3: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Ali Biju is urging social media users, especially those from the Iban community, to stay calm.
He was referring to retired journalist Joseph Tawie being called for questioning by the police yesterday (Feb 2) for alleging in a Facebook post that Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur and Small, Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais had abused his power.
“Joseph also informed us that on the same day, Naroden had lodged a police report against him which led to Joseph being questioned by the police yesterday.
“Joseph then posted his account of being questioned by the police on his Facebook account which then went viral on social media, and as a result, many social media users, especially in the Iban community, were outraged by the incident in which Joseph alleged that intimidation had taken place,” Ali said in a statement earlier this evening.
As such he called upon social media users especially those from the Iban community who were distressed by the incident to remain calm and reasonable.
Ali explained that it is a standard operating procedure for the police to investigate reports lodged with them.
“As Naroden had lodged a report against Joseph Tawie, it is reasonable for and expected of the police to investigate the matter accordingly,” he said.
Ali gave assurance that the case is in the good hands of the police and people should give the police time and space to conduct their investigations in a professional manner.
“Our PKR lawyers led by Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How are representing Joseph Tawie and are also cooperating with the police to ensure that all parties are accorded their rights according to the law,” he said.
Ali said New Malaysia, as constantly reminded by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, upholds the Rule of Law.
He said Sarawak also upholds the Rule of Law and as they were reminded not too long ago by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during the official launch of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the Rule of Law is second on its list of GPS’ nine principles.
“Therefore, we can rest assured that the Rule of Law will take its course in this case,” Ali said.
Meanwhile, Joseph in a Facebook post earlier this evening said he would be making a counter police report at Kuching District Police Station Simpang Tiga at 9.30am tomorrow (February 4). — DayakDaily
