Cops investigating Dr Mahathir’s Bersih statements, says Zahid

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is under investigation over allegedly defamatory statements made at the Bersih 4 rally earlier this year. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, October 22, 2015.The police have opened three investigation papers probing the defamatory statements former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had allegedly made at the Bersih 4 rally in late August.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said all three investigation papers probed Dr Mahathir under Section 500 of the Penal Code, which touches on defamation and carries a two-year jail term, a fine, or both upon conviction.

Of the three, one was completed and referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) on October 9 for further action.

The remaining two have yet to be finished, he added.

"The police have opened two investigation papers based on reports lodged against Dr Mahathir and it was investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code.

"The investigation papers will be referred to deputy public prosecutor for comments and further directive after investigations had been completed," he told Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras) in a written reply.

Tan had asked for the outcome of the investigation and action that would be taken against Dr Mahathir, who has become increasingly aggressive in pressuring Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to resign.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar previously said Dr Mahathir, a staunch critic of Najib, would be investigated for defamation over statements he made to the media at the Bersih 4 rally at Dataran Merdeka on August 29 and 30.

The former prime minister allegedly said that Umno's division heads had received bribes.

However, Khalid had denied the police would arrest Dr Mahathir. – October 22, 2015.