Cops quiz Dr M over Malay Proclamation campaign

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has had his statement recorded by the police over the Malay Proclamation campaign spearheaded by him.

Lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali said the 97-year-old leader was questioned for “activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy over the Malay Proclamation campaign”.

Dr Mahathir, he added, told the police that he was ready to answer all allegations in court.

“Dr Mahathir said he is ready to be charged in court and he will answer queries there,” he said in a video posted on Facebook.

Rafique said it was peculiar that the nonagenarian was investigated under Section 124(b) of the Penal Code for carrying out activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

“Is it against the law to speak about Malay issues?” said Rafique.

Section 124(b) of the Penal Code carries a punishment of up to 20 years in jail.

Police secretary Deputy Comm Datuk Norsiah Mohd Saaduddin confirmed that the former premier was questioned yesterday.

She said Dr Mahathir had his statement recorded by the Bukit Aman Special Investigation Unit (USJT) around 10.30am at the Albukhary Foundation here.

“Investigations are ongoing,” she said in a statement.

The Malay Proclamation campaign is aimed at uniting the Malays in the country and lists 12 key issues faced by the community.

Several top leaders have signed the proclamation, among them were PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and Bersatu information chief Razali Idris.