KUALA LUMPUR: Police have launched an investigation against DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng over a statement which allegedly touched on the 3R (Rulers, race, religion) issue.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) deputy director Datuk GS Surect Kumar said the police had received several reports on the matter where Lim claimed that the green wave would destroy temples and deny religious rights in Penang.
"The statement was believed to have been uttered by Lim in his speech at the 'Tian Fu Gong Bai Long Wang Singapore - Malaysia Tour 2023' programme at the Batu Temple in Jelutong, Penang on July 8.
"The MalaysiaNow news portal also published an article on the statement," Suresh Kumar said in a statement.
He said the investigation in being conducted by the Classified Crimes Investigation Unit of the Bukit Aman CID under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505b of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.
"The investigation in ongoing and the public is advised not to make any speculation that could interrupt the investigation. Stern action will be taken against any parties which threaten the country's public safety and security."
Lim had disputed news reports alleging him of provoking religious sentiments.
He said his speech, delivered in Mandarin, was misrepresented, making him to be claiming there were parties planning to destroy Buddhist and Chinese temples.
In defence, he said he was referring to the case of a Hindu temple being demolished in July 2020 in Alor Setar, Kedah.