Upko wants criminal probe on 'Dubai Move' plotters

KOTA KINABALU: Upko wants police to initiate criminal investigations of those linked to the purported "Dubai Move" plot to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's unity government.

Carl Mossom, the political secretary to Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick, lodged a police report stating that it was a serious and irresponsible manoeuvre that attempted to undermine the democratic process.

In his report, he urged police to investigate as the alleged plotters' actions were detrimental to parliamentary democracy under Section 124B of the Penal Code.

"The offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 20 years," he said in a statement after lodging the report on Tuesday (Jan 9).

Mossom said the investigation was necessary as there seemed to be a concerted effort by several Opposition MPs to unseat the government, as claimed by blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin.

"I believe that this movement was initiated by several MPs including Opposition leaders... (whose) actions can harm parliamentary democracy, create unrest and cause public unease," he added.

Mossom said attempts to create political instability must be thwarted and those who persisted in such efforts should be reminded of the consequences under the law.