He was commenting on a statement by Umno Secretary-General and Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s statement in the wake of the recent “terrorist” attack in Jakarta. Adnan listed Bukit Bintang, Bangsar, Hartamas, Publika, Solaris and The Curve as the areas in the Klang Valley that would suffer terrorist attacks.

This, despite the fact that the police did not issue any statements or listed these locations as possible locations at risk of terror attacks.

“His statement has alarmed not only tourists and local people but also the foreigners who reside in Bangsar, Hartamas, Publika and Solaris.”

As a result of his statement, various members of the police force— including Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar, Head of PDRM’s Corporate Communications Asmawati Ahmad, and the Police Chief of Kuala Lumpur Tajuddin Md Isa—had to reassure the public that the country was not under threat of being targeted by terrorists and that there was no such report from the PDRM’s special branch on the matter.

However, as of yet, no further action against him has been taken. Hence, Shahbudin has called for his arrest and for him to be investigated.

“If a member of the public or a leader from any of the Opposition parties had made statements of that sort [which cause public concern and alarm], they would surely have been immediately arrested, detained and investigated.

“[This is the reality] whereas it should be that when anyone makes claims that can cause public concern and alarm, these claims should be investigated or [those who made them] should be arrested to verify its validity.”

Shahbudin also pointed out that Adnan’s statement can affect the image of the nation among foreigners, especially those who reside in this country, and this can also have a negative impact on the tourism sector.

As such, added Shahbudin Husin the analyst, “detaining and investigating Tengku Adnan to verify the credibility of such statements is no longer a choice but a necessary action that can no longer be delayed”.

When Adnan claimed that he had “intelligence” and mentioned the places that would be hit, argued the analyst, the thin red line was crossed.

After all, noted the analyst, it’s suspicious how a minister and Umno Secretary-General obtained and revealed such information so confidently.

“Does he actually have information unknown to the police?”

As such, said Shahbudin, “It’s clear that his statement should at least be investigated.”