KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — DAP MP Hannah Yeoh today said that she has been asked to appear in Bukit Aman for questioning over a social media post related to child marriage. 

The former deputy women, family and community development minister said she had received a call today from the Federal police headquarters over a tweet in March. 

“I have been called in by Bukit Aman to give a statement over an investigation in relation to the Twitter posting.

"Nowadays even asking questions is not allowed... during the Parliament sitting in May we were also not allowed to ask questions," she said in a Twitter post accompanied by a screenshot of the original tweet.

In the original Tweet, Yeoh had expressed concern over the national roadmap to combat child marriage following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department deputy director (Investigation/Legal) DCP Mior Faridalathrash Wahid when contacted said the investigation is being carried out under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

He said police initiated an investigation after a police report was lodged by an individual against Yeoh's posting,

Section 505 pertains to statements conducing to public mischief upon conviction one could face up to two years in jail, a fine, or both.

Those convicted of Section 233 — which involves improper use of network facilities or network service — could face up to one year in jail, an RM50,000 fine, or both. They could be further fined RM1,000 for every day the offence is continued after conviction

 

 

 

In her tweet on March 9, Yeoh asked what would happen to the roadmap following the appointment of her successor, Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff from PAS.

The National Strategy Plan in Handling the Causes of Child Marriage was launched in January. The plan outlined short, medium and long-term programmes and actions to be implemented over a period of five years from 2020 to 2025 to tackle the six main factors identified as causing child marriage.

Women’s rights groups had previously expressed their concerns over the appointment of Siti Zailah as deputy minister of women, family and community development mainly because her track record does not inspire confidence.

Siti Zailah was criticised for her infamous statement in 2013, in which she suggested a female dress code to prevent indecent dressing in public. She reportedly said such a move would also curb rising levels of sex crimes and prevent sexual harassment.

Five-year strategic plan to address underage marriage. — Picture from Twitter/Bernama
Five-year strategic plan to address underage marriage. — Picture from Twitter/Bernama