KUALA LUMPUR – Police called in four individuals today to record their statements over the purported Langkah Dubai to topple the unity government, after a total of 145 police reports were lodged over the matter.
Those summoned were Community Communications Department Deputy Director-General Datuk Ismail Yusop, Bersatu’s Badrul Hisham Shaharin (Chegubard), as well as controversial bloggers Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris (Papagomo) and Salim Iskandar.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, who confirmed the summons in a statement, also said an investigation paper had been opened regarding the claim that the opposition, Perikatan Nasional, had offered a RM1 billion bribe to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to support a change of government.
“The case is still under investigation, and police advise the public against making speculations and commentary that could obstruct the investigation process,” Razarudin said.
“Police also remind the public that strict action without compromise will be taken towards parties who try to manipulate sensitive issues, especially those which involve public fear and national safety.”
The investigation into claims about attempts to bribe the king with RM1 billion to support a change of government is under Section 500 of the Penal Code (defamation) and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (using network facilities to transmit offensive communication).
Talk of the Langkah Dubai plot had circulated on social media last month, but J-Kom’s Ismail on December 29 became the first official figure to comment on it, saying the move to topple the Madani government was in motion.
Among Ismail’s claims were that, in addition to Perikatan Nasional (PN) leaders, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin were colluding with the opposition, utilising “foreign and local sources” to change the government.
PN figures and Dr Mahathir have denied the existence of such a plot as well as supposed attempts to bribe the Agong.
Razarudin has said that another blogger, Raja Petra Kamarudin who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, was also a person of interest but the likelihood of his arrest is low. – January 12, 2024