The plot thickens in the Kajang botak scandal. One of those involved claimed that the other eight 'reconciled' with the police after taking up a MCA-backed "100 percent guarantee" that gambling charges against them would be dropped.

Initially, those who had their heads shaved while under police detention on Jan 30 wanted to sue the cops over their treatment, but reconsidered after a meeting with Selangor police chief Yahaya Udin.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the person claimed that several MCA assemblypersons "guaranteed" that the police would drop gambling charges against them should they 'reconcile' publicly.

" Yang Berhormat told us that the case against us would be dropped. But this (the deal) could not be done in the open. So it had to be carried out secretly," he said.

He, and 10 others, were arrested by the Kajang police for playing mahjong at a coffeeshop in Taman Indah Cheras during the second day of Chinese New Year.

They claimed that while in the lock-up, which lasted 18 hours, police personnel shaved their heads after they were forced to strip to their underwear.

One of the 11 declined to meet Yahaya, while another two were unable to attend.

'Big brother'

According to the person, the MCA leaders who have been advising them since the ordeal have been under tremendous pressure from a 'big brother' and refuse to publicise the case further.

"Not that they do not want to help. But they do not dare to help and are in a very difficult position," he said.

He warned that should the charges not be dropped, his group would seek the help of MCA's main rival, the opposition DAP.

When contacted, MCA Balakong state assemblyperson Hoh Hee Lee admitted that MCA was trying to persuade the authorities, including the public prosecutors, to drop the gambling charges, but denied giving the group a "100 percent guarantee".

"We have discussed with the Selangor police. We hope to get their support (to drop the charges) as they are responsible in collecting evidence," he said.