Guan Eng tells counter-terrorism boss to focus on probe, not his remarks

Lim Guan Eng has asked the police to focus on their investigation instead of his remarks regarding the ongoing dragnet on those with alleged links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

He was responding to Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, who dismissed Lim's statement that police had assured no further DAP representatives would be arrested.

"Someone said I am interfering with investigations, I never said that. So I hope all quarters will not twist my remarks.

"Ayob (photo, below) also read my remarks, don't twist the statement of a national leader... I hope officers like Ayob, will focus their time on investigating... not commenting on the remarks of an unrelated minister because that is not what I said.

“Many have twisted my remarks," the finance minister told reporters in Parliament today.

The DAP secretary-general said his party supported the police and cited the additional allocation for the police in Budget 2020.

Lim also defended his statement last week which he claimed was twisted by the opposition.

"My statement was about elected representatives, so if there are any elected representatives who are arrested, it means I was given the wrong view.

"But let us focus on the investigation so that it can be solved quickly and those involved can be released and if necessary, brought to court," he added.

Police have detained 12 individuals so far in the LTTE crackdown under the Special Offences (Security Measures) Act (Sosma), which allows for detention without trial for a period of 28 days.

Among those held are DAP's Gadek assemblyperson G Saminathan (photo, left) and Seremban Jaya assemblyperson P Gunasekaran (photo, right)

Following the DAP duo's arrest, Lim issued a statement which Ayob was then asked about at a press conference over the weekend.

What did Lim's statement say?

"I was just briefed that both of them will be subject to investigations under Sosma which allows for 28 days of detention.

"The police promised a speedy investigation to allow for the submission of their investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers and enable our two DAP leaders to be released early.

"The police also claimed to have concrete proof to make such arrests and had referred to all relevant authorities at the highest levels, before taking action.

"I was also informed that whilst more people will be arrested for alleged links to LTTE, no more leaders or wakil rakyat from DAP will be targeted."

What did Ayob Khan say?

"On the statement issued by Lim, I am not sure where he got his input saying that police will not investigate, carry out arrests, I am not sure.

"What I am sure of was it wasn't from me. I have never issued any statement saying we will stop investigations, no.

"Maybe it was someone else, I don't know. There is no reason for us to stop our investigation.

"Do we have to stop investigations because it involves DAP? No. It did not come from me. Maybe it was someone else, I don't know.

"We will continue investigating, and if there is enough evidence we will carry out further arrests.” - Mkini