INSULTING ISLAM: SWIFT POLICE ACTION PROVES LEGAL PROCESS UNDERWAY – ANALYSTS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 (Bernama) -- The swift action by the police in detaining a Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) student on Feb 25 for allegedly insulting Islam by desecrating the Quran proves that the government is not remaining silent in addressing the issue, according to analysts.

Independent crime and criminology analyst Datuk Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim said the arrest and the opening of an investigation paper demonstrate that legal processes have been initiated in accordance with established procedures.

He said the police acted promptly in detaining the 21-year-old student on the day the incident was reported, and an investigation paper was immediately opened under Section 295 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, with the remand also extended to complete investigations.

“When an arrest has been made and investigations are opened under the provisions of the law, it clearly shows that action has been taken. However, investigations must still be conducted thoroughly and cannot be rushed as the case involves religious sensitivities,” he told Bernama.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the public to fully leave it to the authorities to conduct investigations into issues of religious provocation, while stressing that allegations claiming the government had failed to act over the incident involving the desecration of the Quran were unfounded.

He said in a country that upholds the rule of law, action is taken based on legal processes, not emotional pressure or perceptions shaped by social media.

Meanwhile, criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy explained that the opening of an investigation paper by the police as well as disciplinary review at the university level are formal steps indicating that legal and institutional processes have been activated.

He said at this stage, several routine actions are being or will be carried out, including recording statements from the suspect and witnesses, analysing digital content, verifying the authenticity of evidence and assessing the elements of offences under the relevant legal provisions.

“The opening of an investigation paper is not merely a formality. It means every aspect of the case is being scrutinised to determine whether there are elements of a criminal offence or institutional disciplinary breach,” he said.

According to him, the process is usually conducted discreetly as premature detailed disclosure may compromise the integrity of evidence, influence witnesses or prejudice court proceedings and disciplinary action.

“Transparency is crucial to maintain public confidence, but it must be procedural rather than evidential in nature. The authorities may inform that investigations are ongoing and state the legal provisions involved, but it is not appropriate to disclose operational details or evidence still under analysis,” he said.

Sundramoorthy also stressed that the public has a responsibility to remain calm and allow due process, as online speculation and demands for immediate punitive action could undermine social harmony, particularly in issues related to the 3Rs (race, religion and royalty) that touch on deep sensitivities among communities.

Meanwhile, psychological warfare expert and security and political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the public may voice dissatisfaction, but it must be grounded in the law as the basis for every reaction, and actions that overstep boundaries will only worsen the situation.

“The government and society also have a responsibility to ensure similar incidents do not recur in the future,” he said.

On Feb 25, a UMPSA student was detained to assist investigations for allegedly insulting Islam on social media by stepping on the Quran and as of yesterday, 28 police reports had been lodged nationwide in connection with the case.

Kuantan District Police Chief ACP Ashari Abu Samah was reported as saying that the remand of the 21-year-old man has been extended until March 3 after instructions from the Deputy Public Prosecutor for several further actions to be taken to complete the investigation.

-- BERNAMA