Everything You Need To Know About The 3 Theatre Actors Arrested Over A Viral Rukun Negara Video

A video of a theatre performance that allegedly mocked the principles of the Rukun Negara recently went viral online.

The video, which shows five individuals reciting the Rukun Negara while making remarks that allegedly contained racial undertones, sparked widespread criticism among Malaysians, many of whom called on the authorities to take action against those involved.

3 arrested, 1 deceased, another believed to be in the UK

According to reports, police have detained three of the five theatre actors featured in the video.

Image Credit: NST

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Commissioner Datuk M. Kumar said the three individuals were arrested in Selangor and Johor approximately three days ago. Their statements have since been recorded to assist investigations under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The suspects have since been released on police bail.

Investigations also revealed that one of the five actors has passed away, while another is believed to be residing in the United Kingdom.

The theatre director, who was identified as a British national, has also been confirmed to have left Malaysia and returned to the UK.

The performance took place in Penang in 2018

Kumar said checks conducted on the three individuals found no recordings of the performance or any Rukun Negara-related content on their mobile phones, electronic devices, or social media accounts.

Image Credit: Threads

It is understood that the theatre performance, which was later circulated online, was held behind closed doors at the Penang Art Centre (PAC) in 2018.

Records further showed that no police reports were lodged in relation to the performance at the time it took place.

Police are now working to identify and locate the individual who uploaded the video that later went viral. Investigations are also ongoing into the background of the theatre group involved, as well as the circumstances surrounding the performance.

Featured Image Credit: Threads