Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, along with two other politicians, underwent police questioning regarding alleged sensitive statements made during a ‘Malay Proclamation’ meeting. The questioning, conducted by Bukit Aman Classified Crime Investigation Unit (USJT) D5, involved former deputy foreign minister Datuk Seri Marzuki Yahaya and Malay Proclamation secretariat chairman Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan. These developments occurred just days before Malaysia’s 66th Merdeka celebration on August 31.
Police Questioning Surrounding Sensitive Remarks
The Bukit Aman Classified Crime Investigation Unit (USJT) D5 summoned three prominent politicians, including former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for police questioning regarding statements made during a ‘Malay Proclamation’ gathering. The meeting, which raised concerns due to its sensitive nature, drew attention to statements touching on the subjects of Race, Religion, and Royalty (3R). Apart from Dr Mahathir, former deputy foreign minister Datuk Seri Marzuki Yahaya and Malay Proclamation secretariat chairman Datuk Seri Khairuddin Abu Hassan were also questioned at the Yayasan Albukhary.
Cooperation and Statement Taking
Federal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain confirmed the questioning, stating that all three individuals cooperated with the police. The questioning reportedly lasted around 30 minutes, commencing at approximately 3 pm. Details of the police inquiry were not provided, although it focused on Dr Mahathir’s involvement in the “Malay Proclamation” initiative and his participation in a press conference related to a roundtable discussion on the matter.
Mahathir’s Stance and Legal Context
In a video statement, Dr Mahathir’s lawyer, Mohd Rafique Rashid Ali, shared that Dr Mahathir emphasized his readiness to address the questions raised during the police inquiry. He underscored that the former Prime Minister’s responses were informed by his extensive 22 years and 22 months of experience in the role. This marks the second instance where Dr Mahathir was questioned by police regarding the “Malay Proclamation” initiative, with the first occurring on June 2. The lawyer further raised concerns about the potential impact of such questioning on freedom of expression and called for clear guidelines on matters involving Race, Religion, and Royalty (3R).
Conclusion
The police inquiry into the ‘Malay Proclamation’ meeting and the questioning of prominent political figures, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and sensitivities surrounding 3R matters. As the country approaches its 66th Merdeka celebration, these developments highlight ongoing discussions about appropriate discourse and the legal context for addressing sensitive issues within the Malaysian political landscape.