M'sian police investigating Mahathir

This article is more than 12 months old

Oct 22, 2015 05:53 pm

Malaysian authorities are investigating ex-prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, for allegedly making defamatory comments about current leader Najib Razak during the Bersih 4 rally in August, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The investigation centred around three statements by the former Malaysian head of state, who was calling for Mr Najib's resignation in the wake of issues such as the 1MDB scandal, corruption accusations and the country's sliding economy.

In a written reply to the Dewan Rakyat, Dr Zahid said: "Of the three, one has been completed and referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) on Oct 9 for further action."

He added that the remaining investigations were still in progress, saying: "The investigation papers will be referred to the deputy public prosecutor for comments and further directive after investigations are completed.

Under Section 500 of the Malaysian Penal Code, anyone found guilty of defamation can be jailed for up to two years, fined or both.

Source: The Star Online, New Straits Times