Zaid Criticizes Police Over Journalist’s Arrest, Points Out Double Standards

Zaid Criticizes Police Over Journalist’s Arrest, Points Out Double Standards

KUALA LUMPUR: Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has criticized the Royal Malaysia Police for what he called inconsistent enforcement of the law following the arrest of a journalist.

Speaking to reporters, Zaid argued that the authorities acted swiftly against the journalist while ignoring similar incidents involving political figures, raising questions about fairness and accountability.

The journalist in question, Rex Tan, was detained after asking a question during a public forum that was considered controversial. Zaid said that while the question might have been sensitive, the police response was disproportionate, especially given that politicians and lawmakers sometimes make statements with wider public impact without facing investigation.

Zaid highlighted a recent incident involving a PAS Member of Parliament, who made remarks on social media that many perceived as inflammatory. Despite calls from certain quarters for the police to investigate, no action was taken against the MP. According to Zaid, this shows a double standard in enforcement, undermining public trust in the police and the legal system.

He stressed that the perception of selective law enforcement is damaging to Malaysia’s democratic institutions. “When ordinary citizens or journalists are treated more harshly than politicians for similar or lesser statements, it sends a worrying signal about equality before the law,” Zaid said.

The former minister also warned that such actions could have broader implications for freedom of speech and public discourse, particularly in Malaysia’s multicultural society. He encouraged authorities to apply the law consistently, emphasizing that public trust depends on impartiality rather than selective targeting.

Civil society groups have echoed Zaid’s concerns, calling for clear guidelines on the use of sedition and related laws to prevent misuse and ensure accountability. Observers say that consistent application of the law is crucial to maintain confidence in law enforcement and democratic governance.

The police have not issued a detailed response to Zaid’s statements, but the issue has sparked discussion in both political and public circles about how laws affecting speech and expression are implemented in Malaysia.