Cops: Hassan being probed for 'breaching peace', not Hadi

(Editor’s note: This article has been rewritten to reflect an amendment to the police’s statement.)

Police have clarified that it is investigating Baling MP Hassan Saad for criminal defamation and breaching the peace with his remark accusing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of being an Israeli agent.

Earlier today, Bukit Aman issued a press statement saying it is investigating PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang for the alleged crime after receiving police reports over the accusation.

Hours after news regarding the investigation was reported, the police told reporters their statement should be amended to name the Baling MP instead.

It also confirmed that Hadi is not under investigation.

A new statement was sent naming Hassan as the person being investigated but is otherwise identical to the earlier statement.

“The Royal Malaysian Police confirms receiving police reports on Hassan’s accusations that the prime minister is an Israeli agent.

“The investigation is conducted by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department’s Classified Criminal Investigation Unit (USJT), Classified Investigation Unit (D5), and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“The case has been classified under Sections 504 and 500 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” the statement reads.

Section 504 of the Penal Code pertains to intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, while Section 500 concerns criminal defamation.

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, meanwhile, concerns the improper use of telecommunication network facilities.

Anwar has also sent a letter of demand urging Hassan to make an unqualified apology for his accusations within three days.

He is also demanding Hassan pay damages and legal costs.

However, while speaking to the New Straits Times last night, Hassan denied any involvement in the viral video audio recording, whereby a woman had alleged there was Israeli influence in the appointment of Anwar as prime minister.

The English daily reported Hassan as claiming he had no idea who was behind the audio, adding that he would decide later whether to lodge a police report on it.

When contacted by Malaysiakini, Hassan declined to comment on Anwar’s legal threats.

Go ahead and report, I'm ready for Bukit Aman - Hadi

COMMENT | Race and religion narrative - dicing with danger

PM orders cops to probe slanderous remarks - Fahmi

Hadi accused of 'derhaka', Harapan leader wants sedition probe

Fahmi challenges PAS to lodge police report against DAP for 'Islamophobia'

In latest diatribe, Hadi accuses DAP of Islamophobia