Many want to see me in lock-up outfit, says Dr M

Dr Mahathir Mohamad believes that numerous people want to see him paraded in the orange lock-up attire.

The former premier's statement comes in the wake of Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah expressing displeasure over his “Bugis pirate” remarks.

Whereas the Selangor Council of the Royal Court said Mahathir should be investigated under the Sedition Act 1948.

In a video posted on Facebook this afternoon, Mahathir said since he had gone on the offensive against Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, many quarters were hoping to see him arrested.

"This is one of those efforts in that direction. If the police investigate, maybe I have to wear the (lock-up) attire and many people will be satisfied.

"The dewan (council) who made the decision might possibly be interested in seeing me wearing the lock-up attire," added the 92-year-old politician.

Mahathir had courted the Selangor ruler's wrath with his remarks during a speech at the “anti-kleptocracy” rally in Petaling Jaya on Oct 14.

The former premier, who now heads the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, said Najib could perhaps trace his ancestry to Bugis pirates.

Following an outcry from various groups, including in Jakarta, Mahathir clarified that his remarks were aimed at Najib and not the entire Bugis community.

In a media statement yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin said Mahathir's remarks were an attempt to insult and incite hatred towards the Bugis community.

"The Selangor Royal Council views (Mahathir's) speech as crossing the line and could cause hatred and discrimination against the Bugis community to the point of inciting chaos.

"These accusations indirectly insult the ancestry and lineage of the Selangor sultanate which originates from Bugis," added the ruler.

This morning, inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun revealed that investigations against Mahathir were ongoing but did not disclose if the probe was under the Sedition Act.

- Mkini