KUALA LUMPUR – Police are once again recording statements from Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, this time over assertions regarding Malays losing power made during a campaign speech for the Simpang Jeram by-election.
According to Sinar Harian, Muhyiddin was spotted arriving at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) building here at around 9.13am this morning to provide his statement to police.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain confirmed the matter when contacted by media personnel.
The case is being investigated under Section 4A of the Election Offences Act for promoting feelings of ill-will or hostility as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 which covers the improper use of network facilities.
During a campaign speech in Johor on September 3, Muhyiddin had allegedly claimed that “Malays will no longer dominate the government today, which means (that) Malays have lost power, whether they realise it or not, true or not.”
Muhyiddin, who is also a former prime minister, had his speech video uploaded on PN component member PAS’ Facebook page.
Previously, on September 12, Muhyiddin was questioned by police over a “political fatwa” he issued claiming that it is “haram” to vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Suhaizan Kayat in the Pulai parliamentary by-election earlier this month.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had then confirmed the recording of the Bersatu president’s statement, adding that the investigation paper will be completed in a week’s time before being submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
Voting for the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seat were held concurrently on September 9 after the death of its then-incumbent, domestic trade and cost of living minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, on July 23.
At the polls, Suhaizan won with an 18,641-vote majority, defeating Zulkifli Jaafar of PN and independent candidate Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi. – September 21, 2023