Mahathir Mohamad questioned by police over Malay Proclamation

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad revealed that he was questioned by the police on June 2 concerning two recent statements. He took to social media to express his concerns about freedom of speech, stating that if his remarks were incorrect, they should be proven so, and that the police questioning him was a form of intimidation.

Mahathir claimed that the inability of Malays to discuss their problems was racist and referred to his practice of sharing political opinions on social media platforms. The two statements he was questioned over were about the history of Kedah and his “Malay Proclamation.”

He also quoted Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana, asserting that telling the truth about the past is not a crime. Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) secretary Noorsiah Saaduddin announced on June 3 that the police had completed their investigation against Mahathir for remarks allegedly belittling the country’s monarchy. The investigation paper will be referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Officers from the Classified Crime Investigation Unit recorded Mahathir’s statement at Yayasan Al Bukhary regarding his remarks and the “Malay Proclamation.” Noorsiah stated that the investigation into the “Malay Proclamation” was ongoing, with investigators yet to question PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy.

Mahathir’s “Malay Proclamation” is an initiative aiming to unite the Malay community by addressing 12 key issues they face and bridging the group’s political differences. Despite his leading role in at least four Malay political parties, Hadi, along with others such as Bersatu deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu and information chief Razali Idris, signed on to Mahathir’s proclamation.

The proclamation was developed by Mahathir following a disappointing defeat in the 15th general election, during which he and all other Pejuang candidates lost their deposits due to failing to receive the minimum number of votes.