KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's speech at the Pas headquarters in Bakri, Muar, has been found to have elements of the 3R issues (race, religion and royalty).
Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said this is because the Pas president had questioned the powers of the Pardons Board, which is linked to the royal institution.
He said police have already opened investigation papers into the speech which the Marang member of parliament had delivered along the campaign trail for the Simpang Jeram by-election in Johor.
"I can confirm that CID has contacted (Hadi) to have his statement recorded as part of the process to complete the investigations.
"CID officers contacted him to establish the most appropriate time for his statement to be recorded," he told reporters at federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman.
Shuhaily called on all quarters to refrain from speculating on the case.
"Investigations are being carried out under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act.
"During the campaign period for the (Pulai and Simpang Jeram) by-elections in Johor, all political leaders and the people are reminded not to bring up any 3R-related issues," he said, adding that Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had, prior to this, already issued a warning on the matter.
Meanwhile, Shuhaily said there had already been 88 cases involving 3R issues so far this year.
He said Malaysians should be smart and mature enough to steer away from such issues when making any sort of statement or sharing other people's posts.
"I am sure that all Malaysians are mature and educated, so don't be too emotional when you write or post things or you may find action being taken against you.
"For us (police), if there are legal implications and police reports, then we will investigate and bring (the offender) to justice.
"Just remember, whatever is written or said may have legal implications. (Any action taken) is to ensure the safety, peace and harmony of society is always preserved," he said.