False Reports - Face the Music

(Bernama) - KUALA LUMPUR -- The authorities will not hesitate to charge anyone under Section 182 of the Penal Code for making a false report against police action during the July 9 illegal rally.

Criminal Investigation Department deputy director Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said they could be imprisoned for up to six months or fined a maximum of RM2,000 or both, upon conviction.

In a statement here on Monday, he said, to date, the police had received eight reports, adding that they would be investigated in a professional and transparent manner.

"We are in the process of completing our investigations.

Acryl also said the police were investigating the authenticity of an allegation by PAS vice-president Mohamad Sabu that he was hit by a police four-wheel drive vehicle -- although a recent screening of a police video showed the motorcycle skidded and collided with the vehicle.

The police were also looking into a claim that Anwar Ibrahim's bodyguard was injured while protecting the opposition leader on that day, he added.

On allegations that the police used Israeli-made tear gas during the illegal rally, Acryl said it was from the United States.

He said, the liquid used in the police water cannons which were deployed on that day were from Switzerland.


(Bernama)