Former Prime Minister wonders why he was called in by the cops when others who have made similar statements have not been questioned.
PUTRAJAYA: Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he will only answer questions over his blog posting regarding Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali in a court of law.
However, following questioning by the men in blue earlier today, Mahathir revealed there was no indication if he would be brought to court just yet as police were still conducting preliminary investigations, following a complaint by an individual in Kelantan over the posting.
“If I am charged in court, I will answer the questions as well as call on witnesses,” he told reporters after being questioned by police.
While saying he stood by his postings, Mahathir also revealed he was asked some 30 questions, but based on the advice of his lawyers, refrained from answering specific ones.
He also said he pointed out to police that many others had said the same things he wrote but that they were not questioned by the authorities.
“Is there discrimination in how the authorities, the police and AG operate in accusing me and not the others who made similar statements?”
Malaysia’s longest serving premier said that while he felt “intimidated”, he would continue to exercise his right to free speech.
Earlier today, FMT reported that police were expected to question Mahathir this afternoon.
A source close to Mahathir said it was believed the police wanted to question him about a recent blogpost.
Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar had on February 15, said that police were investigating Mahathir under Section 500 of the Penal Code for criminal defamation over a recent blog posting on Apandi.
In the blog post titled “AG vs AG” published on February 5, Mahathir attacked Apandi over his decision not to charge Prime Minister Najib Razak over the twin scandals of the RM2.6 billion donation, and the RM42 million deposited into Najib’s personal bank accounts in 2013.
If Mahathir is found guilty of criminal defamation, he could face a maximum two-year jail term, a fine, or both.
-Freemalaysiatoday-
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