KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 – Two local men have been arrested in connection with a disturbing incident where an effigy resembling Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was carried and whipped during a rally at Dataran Merdeka last Saturday.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed the arrests of the individuals, aged 21 and 47, in two separate operations on Sunday. Authorities also seized communication devices believed to have been used to record and circulate footage of the act on social media.
The video was uploaded by certain parties and shared widely,” he said. “A remand application will be filed soon.
The case is being investigated by the Classified Crime Investigation Unit under Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (D5), involving multiple legal provisions:
- Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act
- Section 504 of the Penal Code (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace)
- Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
- Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955
Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid urged the public to exercise responsibility on social media, warning that provocative content can incite unrest and disrupt public order.
“Strict and uncompromising action will be taken against those who threaten peace and public safety,” he stressed.
The video of the incident sparked widespread condemnation online, with many urging authorities to take decisive legal action.
