Dr Mahathir bristles at recent police questioning, calling it ‘a form of threat’
KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 — Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said that he was questioned by the police last Friday (June 2) over two recent statements.
In a series of tweets, Dr Mahathir expressed his belief that his freedom of speech was not part of the reforms promised by the current government.
“If what I say is wrong, prove it. If not, sending the police to question me is a form of threat,” he said.
He alleged that Malays being unable to talk about their problems was racist, referring to himself and his practice of airing his political opinions on social media.
The two statements that he was questioned over were on the history of Kedah and his “Malay Proclamation”, he said.
He also quoted Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana, saying that telling the truth about the past is not a crime.
Last Saturday, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) secretary Datuk Noorsiah Saaduddin said that the police have completed their investigation against Dr Mahathir for remarks that allegedly belittled the country’s monarchy, and the investigation paper would be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers.
The previous day, officers from the Classified Crime Investigation Unit recorded Dr Mahathir’s statement at Yayasan Al Bukhary for the investigation on his remarks as well as his “Malay Proclamation”.
Noorsiah said the investigation into the “Malay Proclamation” was ongoing, with investigators still to question PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang and Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy.
Dr Mahathir has purported his “Malay Proclamation” to be an initiative to unite the Malay community by addressing 12 key problems they face and bridging the group’s political differences, despite his leading role in at least four Malay political parties so far.
Last month, Hadi as well others such as Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu and information chief Datuk Razali Idris signed on to Dr Mahathir’s proclamation.
Dr Mahathir developed the proclamation after a humiliating defeat in the 15th general election, when he and all other Pejuang candidates lost their deposits due to failing to receive the minimum number of votes.
