KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 — Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain today said that the investigation papers on the "3R” (race, religion, royalty) has been opened on caretaker Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, following his recent controversial racial remarks.

He said the case against Sanusi was among the investigation papers sent to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) involving politicians, which also included PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"We have sent the completed investigation to the AGC along with several other investigation papers including those involving politicians, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and former politicians,” he told a news conference in Bukit Aman that was also live-streamed.

Razarudin said statements playing on 3R sentiments have become more frequent leading up to the state elections.

He said that 61 investigation papers, including the one on Muhammad Sanusi, on 3R issues have been opened since March 27.

He said all cases are being investigated under the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA) and the Sedition Act 1948.

"From the investigation mentioned, these figures have been found to have, in essence, offences that we investigated,” he said.

He said that the findings were sent to the AGC in accordance with Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution which states that the Attorney General (AG) has power at their discretion to institute, conduct or discontinue proceedings for any offence, outside of proceedings before a Syariah court, a native court or a court-martial.

Yesterday, law minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said that the government is considering a new Act to impose civil penalties on those who play up 3R sentiments.

She noted that the Act, which could be titled the "State and Nation Act”, was like the Malaysian version of the Maintenance of Racial Harmony Act in Singapore.

Presently, the offences involving 3R sentiments were investigated under the Sedition Act 1948, which pointed such offences in the direction of criminal law, leading to lengthy legal procedures.

The move was welcomed by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil today, when he said the Act would preserve the peace and security of Malaysia.

On Tuesday, national news agency Bernama reported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as issuing a "final warning” against any party playing on 3R sentiments.

He reportedly added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would monitor the situation.