KUALA LUMPUR – Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh was detained in Kota Kinabalu earlier today, instead of Kuala Lumpur, because police are aiming to complete their sedition probe into the Umno Youth chief in seven days.
When asked about why Dr Akmal could not give his statement at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters here tomorrow – which he claimed was already scheduled – Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain told Scoop they were mere claims by the Merlimau assemblyman.
“(About Dr Akmal giving his statement at Dang Wangi tomorrow) That’s what he said… we conduct our probe and (the investigation papers) must be submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers in seven days.
“The sooner we finish this case, the better, as we have more cases waiting to be investigated.”
Razarudin added that police received reports yesterday, which is also why they were required to start their investigations today.
This morning, Dr Akmal was detained in the Sabah capital, after landing there to attend a Kembara Ramadan programme in the state, with Sabah Umno Youth members.
Dr Akmal was later released after being detained for at least two hours for the authorities to record his statement at the Kota Kinabalu police headquarters, but was called in again by police at 2pm.
Earlier today, Razarudin confirmed that the authorities were investigating Dr Akmal under the Sedition Act 1948, as well as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, over his actions and speeches amid the KK Mart fiasco.
Meanwhile, Umno and its youth wing have gathered legal assistance for Dr Akmal. – April 5, 2024