KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition member of parliament claimed today that the police are being used to monitor their activities.
Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man claimed that he received complaints about the misuse of security forces during election campaigns, including in Sungai Bakap.
"The police were ordered to attend ceramah (political talks) and record them, to the extent of making more than 10 recordings and monitoring operations rooms.
"This infringes upon our rights to conduct political activities, guaranteed by the Federal Constitution," he said during a debate on the annual report of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for 2021 and 2022.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) interjected, asking: "Do you agree that the presence of security forces was to ensure smooth proceedings and safety during the election campaign period? It is also to prevent hate speech."
Tuan Ibrahim said he agreed with recording for safety purposes, but it "should not be excessive".
"I understand that security forces have the right to record, but monitoring operation rooms?
"In my personal experience at my Cheka state constituency, they took photos of my donations to the people, including pictures of rice and guests I invited.
"It appears that security forces are being misused to protect the interests of the ruling parties rather than uphold the people's right to carry out political activities."
Rayer interjected again, citing Standing Order 36(6), which prohibits MPs from making statements with ill intentions towards others.
"I request the speaker to make a ruling. Let us refrain from unjustly criticising the police. They are simply doing their job.
"They are not able to defend themselves in this House."
Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ramli Md Nor intervened, saying: "In the context of Kubang Kerian's speech, I consider it an unrelated analogy to the issue being discussed. Please proceed to wrap up your speech."