Cops quiz Tok Mat over 'big kavadi' remark

 

The police have recorded statements from Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan over remarks he had made in a recent interview.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Sentul district police chief Beh Eng Lai confirmed that Mohamad’s statements were recorded on Wednesday.

“Once the investigation papers are completed, we will refer to the deputy public prosecutor for further action,” he said.

The police are also seeking Asia Times reporter Nicholas Kochan, who interviewed Mohamad recently.

Beh said investigations are conducted under Section 505(C) of the Penal Code for “statements conducing to public mischief” and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for “improper use of network facilities or network services”.

After Asia Times published an article on the interview, Mohamad claimed that some of his remarks regarding former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak related to the 1MDB scandal were taken out of context.

In response, Kochan published the audio recording of the entire interview.

Following this, Bersatu associates wing chief S Gobi Krishnan lodged a police report over Mohamad’s remark during the interview where he described Umno as carrying a “big kavadi”.

The “big kavadi” remark was not published by Asia Times.

Mohammad's remark was meant to describe unresolved problems faced by Umno prior to the 2018 general election.

At the time, Umno was facing a severe image crisis due to international investigations related to 1MDB.

The bearing of the "kavadi", together with fasting, is a form of penance practised during Thaipusam to show gratitude to Murugan. - Mkini