In a statement, he said none of Anwar’s statements could qualify as being seditious, despite what was claimed in a police report lodged by a political activist.
“The police say they are investigating Anwar following police reports claiming that Anwar has committed sedition by questioning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s constitutional power to declare emergency,” he said.
However, Leong asserted that “there was nothing seditious said by Anwar,” pointing to Section 3(2) of the Sedition Act 1948 which says acts, speech or publications are not deemed seditious if they have a tendency:
a. to show that any Ruler has been misled or mistaken in any of his measures;
b. to point out errors or defects in any government or constitution as by law established or in legislation or in the administration of justice with a view to the remedying of the errors or defects;
“There was nothing in Anwar’s call that can be taken to have been made with an intent to cause fear or alarm to the public or to induce an offence to be committed against the state or against public tranquility under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code.”
He said the investigations being carried out “raises disquiet as to whether members of the police may have been ordered or forced to exercise their functions to promote or undermine any political party or interest group”.
Political neutrality is an important part of effective policing, he said.
“It is hoped that in these difficult times when the people are struggling to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, the police must be seen to be maintaining political independence and impartiality at all times.”
On Wednesday, it was reported that police had begun an investigation into Anwar’s call for the King to rescind the emergency proclamation.
Perak police chief Mior Faridalathrash Wahid reportedly said the case was being handled by Bukit Aman CID’s special investigation unit.
Earlier this month, Anwar wrote to all MPs, urging them to write to the King to plead with him to revoke the emergency proclamation and call for a Parliament sitting as soon as possible.