Lee questioned by police over interpretation of Quranic verse

The police yesterday recorded a statement from Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee Chuan How to assist investigations into allegations that he had insulted Islam through his interpretation of a Quranic verse.

Bukit Aman Crime Investigation Department director Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the statement from Lee was recorded at 3pm in Ipoh, Perak under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

"Once investigations are complete, the papers will be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers," he said in a statement.

Shuhaily also urged members of the public to use social media wisely and not use such platforms for issues that could be offensive or sensitive like 3R (race, religion, royalty).

He warned that action would be taken against anyone deemed to have been detrimental to the peace and harmony or security of the country.

Earlier, Lee apologised for his statement which was his own interpretation of the Quranic verse in a video clip on his social media.

He also reiterated that he had no intention of touching on the sensitivities of the Muslim community.

Perak Jabat president Amiruddin Mohd Daud reportedly said the organisation had lodged a police report seeking an investigation and action to be taken against Lee, as they viewed his act as an insult to Islam since the MP was not a Muslim but had made his own interpretation of a Quranic verse, which they deemed a 3R issue.