Cops record Rafizi’s statement as witness over Tabung Haji issue

Police have questioned PKR's Rafizi Ramli over his allegations related to Lembaga Tabung Haji's negative reserves. – The Malaysian Insider Kamal Ariffin, March 7, 2016.Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli was called up by police today to record his statement over allegations made against Lembaga Tabung Haji.

However, Rafizi, who is PKR secretary-general, said he was being treated as a witness and not a suspect.

He said he was baffled by the police's action since he was the only person who had raised the issue in his analysis on the pilgrims fund's negative reserves and corporate guarantee.

"I believe I am the only person who has spoken on these matters to date.

"I was told my statements were being taken as a witness to the investigation," he said outside of Dang Wangi police station in Kuala Lumpur today.

On 28 February, Tabung Haji lodged a police report against Rafizi on his allegation that it issued corporate guarantee to its associate company TH Heavy Engineering Berhad (THHE).

According to Rafizi's counsel, Faizal Rahman, the Pandan MP was being investigated under Section 500 for making defamatory statements and Section 203, for making false statements.

Faizal said the questioning lasted an hour despite his client choosing to remain silent after cooperating with police.

Rafizi said he was advised by his lawyer not to make any statements after looking at the questions and documents shown to him.

"I am suspicious that I am being called in as a witness but may be possibly charged later if I give out any statement," he said.

He said Tabung Haji should answer depositors and assure those who trusted their funds in Tabung Haji instead of making police reports to stop him from continuing to speak about Tabung Haji. – March 7, 2016.