Media statement by Karpal Singh in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 20^th October 2011:

Police investigation required for the scurrilous and vicious allegation against Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng's 16 year old son

The scurrilous and vicious allegation against Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng's 16 year old son circulating on the internet requires a through police investigation. The spreading of lies on the internet should be nibbed in the bud before it develops into a source of ready avenue to defame and destroy. The sophisticated advance in technology should be harnessed to public advantage and not destroy the very fabric of society modern times.

The point to address with all speed and expedition is the necessity for the police to spring into action in the wake of the completely wild allegation against the 16 year old without any regard for humanity. The trauma suffered by the chief minister's son is beyond imagination having regard to the allegation made against him. Where there is a wrong, there must of necessity be a remedy. The bloggers responsible for the vile postings on their blogs must be brought to book to ensure they are not further emboldened to persist in a path of destruction.

I call upon the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, to personally intercede in the matter. As a father, the prime minister, no doubt, can imagine the agony suffered by the Penang chief minister. On a matter of such serious concerns, there should be no consideration of political affiliation.

In the meanwhile, I call upon the Inspector-General of Police to direct a police officer to lodge a report against the bloggers concerned with a view to action being taken against them for criminal defamation of the chief minister's son. The culprits cannot, and should not, be allowed to get away. The public interest demands swift and effective action.

* Karpal Singh, DAP National Chairman & MP for Bukit Gelugor