The police will not call off its investigations involving Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

 

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar said the probe would continue since several reports have been lodged.

 

"We have initiated a probe and we will see it through. We will investigate and submit our findings to the Attorney-General's Chambers," the police chief told Malaysiakini .

 

After that, Khalid said it was up to the attorney-general to determine the next course of action.

 

The police chief also revealed that Ismail Sabri has agreed for his statement to be recorded next Monday.

 

Khalid was asked if the police will continue its investigations following the Prime Minister's Office's stand on the matter.

 

The police chief had earlier said Ismail was being investigated under Section 505b of the Penal Code for making a statement that could cause “fear, alarm and disrupt public tranquility”.

 

Courted controversy

 

The agriculture minister courted a firestorm of protest with his Facebook posting calling on Malays to boycott Chinese traders for failing to lower the prices of goods in the wake of major reduction in pump prices.

                       

"The majority of consumers are Malays. The Chinese are the minority. If the Malays boycott their businesses, they will have no choice but to reduce prices," wrote Ismail Sabri.

 

Ismail Sabri also accused Chinese businesses of having suspect ‘halal’ certifications, yet Malays are still patronising such establishments.

 

"As long as Malays don't change, the Chinese will take advantage and oppress the Malays," he stressed.

 

However, the PMO stated that the minister's remark was aimed at errant traders of all races.

 

“He (Ismail Sabri) also suggested that consumers use their buying power to force traders to reduce the price of goods,” said the PMO in a statement two days ago.