Why did Putrajaya’s police chief target Twitter critics selectively?

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Putrajaya's Police Chief Targeted Twitter Critics Selectively Amidst Concerns of Double Standards

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) have asserted that the Inspector-General of Police's (IGP) actions in targeting critics on Twitter, while seemingly overlooking pro-government users, constitute a clear instance of double standards. Executive director Eric Paulsen suggested that the IGP's approach indicated a potential susceptibility to instructions from politically motivated individuals rather than maintaining the impartiality expected of his office. This selective enforcement has raised concerns that the IGP might arbitrarily determine what content is permissible for publication, particularly impacting opposition figures and government dissenters.
Allegations of Selective Enforcement Against Critics

LFL specifically accused pro-Umno cyber-troopers and trolls of being allowed to freely publish hate speech and incitement to violence without facing investigation from the police or the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). This stands in contrast to the actions taken against critics. Paulsen, who is himself under investigation, voiced apprehension that the IGP could unilaterally decide what can and cannot be published, especially by those aligned with the opposition or critical of the government. The organisation urged the IGP to demonstrate professionalism and respect for civil liberties, questioning whether his methods complied with the Royal Malaysia Police Force's (PDRM) social media policies.
Stated Rationale for Probing Twitter Users

The Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, stated that his directives for police to investigate Twitter users were intended to underscore the seriousness with which his force was addressing seditious remarks. He emphasised that the police would not tolerate seditious comments aimed at disrupting public order. This stance was articulated in the context of maintaining public peace within the country.
Specific Cases of Investigation

Khalid Abu Bakar directed police to investigate several individuals for sedition. This included DAP Member of Parliament Nga Kor Ming and cartoonist Zunar, following their tweets concerning Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy conviction. Additionally, a probe was ordered into PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli for a tweet that allegedly sought to instil a belief that judges were being bribed. Zunar, whose real name is Zulkiflee SM Anwar Ulhaque, was subsequently remanded as part of the sedition investigation.
The Sedition Act and Political Climate

The actions occur against a backdrop where Putrajaya had previously committed to repealing the Sedition Act 1948, a piece of legislation critics argue is frequently employed to suppress dissent and political opposition. However, the government later announced that the Act would not only be retained but also expanded. This shift in policy has fuelled concerns regarding the use of such laws to stifle legitimate criticism and political discourse.

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Why did Putrajaya’s police chief target Twitter critics selectively?

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