Seven militarymen were among 27 witnesses questioned by the police in connection with yesterday's spray attack outside an airport in Kelatan which affected former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"The seven soldiers were hired by one of the organisers as his (Mahathir's) personal bodyguards," said Kelantan police chief SAC I Zulkifli Abdullah.

The incident took place immediately after two groups - one led by former Umno Kelantan strongman Ibrahim Ali and the other by businessman Nik Sapeia Nik Yusoff - tussled over who would escort Mahathir from the airport.

As Mahathir was about to address the crowd through the sunroof of a parked Mitsubishi Pajero, a mace-like substance was sprayed towards Ibrahim which in turn affected those nearby including Mahathir.

Following the incident, Mahathir was seen grimacing and teary-eyed as Nik Sapeia's bodyguards, believed to include the seven soldiers, dragged the former into another car and sped off.

Mahathir was not hurt during the incident and recovered after resting in his hotel room and later spoke during a lecture and dialogue session with Umno members after performing Friday prayers.

Suspect detained

Speaking at press conference in the Kelantan police headquarters in Kota Bharu today, Zulkifli revealed that a 53-year-old 'Datuk' has been arrested to assist investigations.

The suspect was arrested last night at about 10pm in Pasir Tumbuh, about 11 hours after the incident and is expected to be remanded soon. Zulkifli declined to name the individual.

The suspect is being investigated under Section 328 under the Penal Code for causing hurt through use of poison with the intention of committing an offence.

He added that the motive for the attack was still undetermined and that the police have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests.

Samples of the chemical used during the attack has been sent to the chemistry department for confirmation.

On allegations that police security was lax during the event, Zulkifli said that the police had exercised their discretion that morning while security efforts were stepped up during the two events Mahathir attended yesterday.

"When we plan on taking security measures, we check the background on those coming. At the same time, the police don't want to be accused of not allowing people to go near their leaders," he added.