The Bukit Gelugor MP said it was unnecessary for the police to contact the participants to ask for their personal details, saying he does not see how the youth initiative had breached any laws.

He also urged Hamid to ensure any probe into the virtual Parliament is halted immediately.

The organisers and participants should not be intimidated by such investigations as no laws have been breached, he added.

“It is disturbing that there exists such intolerance in this day and age. There can be no justification in striking fear in the organisers and participants of the programme, particularly when it actually promotes intelligent discourse.

“Unless, of course, the intention of such investigations by the police is to stifle freedom of speech and valid criticism of the government which may occur as a result of the debates in the programme,” he said in a statement today.

It was reported that some of the 222 youth representatives were contacted by cops once their virtual sitting ended yesterday.

The virtual Parliament is an initiative by Challenger Malaysia, Undi 18, Liga Rakyat Demokratik and United Nations Association Malaysia Youth to demonstrate how the legislative body can convene on an online platform.

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