Federal police today quizzed a former minister for seven hours over a sexual assault allegation by a minor.

A Bukit Aman source said that the former minister, who is also currently serving as an MP, had presented himself at the police headquarters at about 10am.

He was grilled by officers from the federal Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11).

"Police finished recording his statement at about 5pm," said the source.

Malaysiakini learned that the extended duration of the questioning was due to the lawmaker taking several extended breaks, claiming that he was not feeling well.

"He said he was not feeling well. Hence, the recording of his statement dragged on and on," said the source.

The source said that police will record another statement from the lawmaker if necessary.

Yesterday, Perlis police chief Noor Mushar Mohd told Malaysiakini that police would proceed with their investigation despite the 15-year old girl retracting her report.

Noor Musharsaid the state police had sought cooperation from Bukit Aman to record the lawmaker's statement as the latter was currently in Kuala Lumpur.

The case is being investigated under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

At a press conference in Kangar today, Noor Mushar said police had thus far recorded statements from 10 individuals, including the MP. 

He said the probe was almost complete, and police would submit investigation papers to the deputy public prosecutor for further action.

'Fled crying'

Harian Metro had reported the MP as saying that he had no intention of touching the victim to the point of the family lodging a police report.

“I have known them for a long time, nearly two years, and the supposed molest didn’t happen in a secluded place, but in public.

“I don’t want to prolong this issue, because I pity the student and she has a bright future,” the MP had said.

It is learned that the incident happened in a car near the Tuanku Syed Putra stadium in Kangar on Oct 20.

The girl was alleged to have been summoned to the car while she and her friends were at a singing rehearsal.

In the car, she was touched on her hand and shoulder without her consent, causing her to flee crying from the vehicle.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin confirmed to Bernama that he had received a report of the case, but added that he would let the police proceed with their investigation.