IGP: Police to record Tun M’s statement on Friday

(NST) – Police will record a statement from former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad this Friday in connection with reports accusing him of making defamatory statements against Umno leaders.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Dr Mahathir was not being investigated for his presence at the recent Bersih 4 rally, but for calling for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s resignation.

“He (Dr Mahathir) had provided the date (Friday), but this is also subject to the availability of his lawyer,” Khalid said when contacted today.

Khalid said it was up to Dr Mahathir to decide on the venue to have his statement recorded.

Earlier, Khalid had said Dr Mahathir was being investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code for criminal defamation, where he (Dr Mahathir) had made an appearance on Aug 29 and 30 during Bersih 4.

Police reports were also lodged by an Umno division chief on Dr Mahathir’s statement about corruption in the party divisions.