AMPANG, Sept 23 ― #Merah 169 leader Datuk Jamal Md Yunos claimed today that of attempts to defame him via a rumour that he attempted to drug and rape a local celebrity.
The Umno Sungai Besar division chief said the rumour, being spread on social media, is baseless and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Defending himself, Jamal said the accusation did not come from the celebrity herself but was instead made by unknown bloggers.
“I see, from day to day, the accusations made against me have worsened. So I spoke to my lawyers and we have decided to take action against the irresponsible parties,” he told reporters after lodging a report with the police here.
The report was among several made in relation to accusations made against him in the build up to the #Merah169 rally on September 16.
When asked if he knew the celebrity personally, the Umno leader refused to confirm or deny.
“I know a lot of artistes,” he said, referring to a local term for celebrities.
“I have an entertainment company that provides supplies... so I deal with a lot of artists,” he added.
Jamal has formed a ten-member legal team to trawl social media in search of individuals spreading false news against him.
Jamal said the team will gather all allegations posted and spread by social media users, after which he will lodge a police report and take legal action, Malay daily Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying.
He said his lawyers will also seek the help of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block access to the offending social media posts.
Among the “lies” spread about him was that he was paid RM3 million by Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to hold the rally.
Today, he insisted the September 16 gathering was self-financed.
“We organised it ourselves. We sold the tees for RM10 each. We also got support from Umno… some businessmen were also helpful like providing food and such but no one gave us money,” he said.
Thousands of red shirted people were bussed into the federal capital on Wednesday, which was also Malaysia Day, for the rally officially called “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” or the United People’s Assembly, but which caused concern among traders in the city centre and ethnic Chinese business leaders.
The protest was also marred by sporadic outbreaks of racism, with one attendee recorded calling a reporter “Crazy Chinese pig”, among other insults.
Police also fired water cannons at protesters who attempted to force their way into Petaling Street.
