Tony Pua Says He Is Ready to Fight Charges Over Rukun Negara Facebook Post
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Damansara MP Tony Pua believes he is likely to face criminal charges over a Facebook post linked to the Rukun Negara and has vowed to defend both his innocence and the principles he says are at the heart of Malaysia’s constitutional framework.
The Democratic Action Party leader said he was called to Bukit Aman on Monday morning to provide an additional statement after the Attorney General’s Chambers returned the investigation papers to police for further inquiries.
Pua attended the session accompanied by his lawyer, Sangeet Kaur Deo, describing the meeting as professional, cordial and respectful.
In a Facebook post after the interview, he said he was mentally and legally prepared for whatever comes next.
“I am fully prepared to defend my innocence, and more importantly, to vigorously defend the spirit of the Rukun Negara and the sanctity of the Federal Constitution in a court of law,” he wrote.
According to Pua, the questioning lasted less than half an hour and focused mainly on the wording and interpretation of his earlier Facebook post.
He said police officers sought clarification on several matters, including the meaning of the word “decree”, which had been used in the post that sparked controversy.
Pua maintained that his views were clearly expressed in the original posting and said he would be prepared to explain them further if the matter proceeds to trial.
“My response was that the meaning of the post is exactly as I wrote it, but I will be happy to provide further elaboration in court if necessary,” he said.
However, Pua noted that there was one significant difference between this interview and the previous one.
He said he was previously questioned as a witness, but this time he was treated as a suspect, a development he believes indicates that formal charges are now increasingly likely.
“It appears the balance of probabilities has shifted and I may be charged in court within the next couple of weeks,” he said.
The case stems from a Facebook post relating to the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution that prompted several police reports to be lodged against him.
In May, police confirmed that investigations were being carried out under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which deals with statements likely to cause public mischief.
The case is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which covers the improper use of network facilities or services.
If charged, the case could attract significant public attention as it touches on issues surrounding freedom of expression, the interpretation of the Rukun Negara and constitutional principles in Malaysia.
Despite the possibility of prosecution, Pua said he would continue to cooperate with the authorities and place his trust in the judicial process.
For now, he said, his focus remains on defending what he believes are fundamental democratic values and ensuring that his views are properly heard in court.
