06/03/2026

FRIDAY | MAR 6, 2026

6

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Police record first statement over alleged plot to topple govt

PUTRAJAYA: Police have recorded a statement from an individual in connection with investigations into an alleged plot to overthrow the government and undermine national stability. IGP Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the individual voluntarily came forward to assist investigators after a police report was lodged on Feb 26. He said the statement provided was extensive and required careful review by investigators. “So far we have recorded a statement from one individual, but there are three to four more people we intend to call to assist in the investigation,” he said after the monthly assembly at the Home Ministry yesterday. Khalid said the probe must be conducted comprehensively and cautiously as it involves matters related to national security. He added that police have identified several individuals who

at about 4.30pm on Oct 22 last year. The charge was framed under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 12(3) of the same Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM100,000, imprisonment of up to five years or both. He was also charged with possessing 0.78g of Sildenafil at the same location, date and time under Section 9(1) of the Poisons Act 1952, punishable under Section 32(2) of the same Act. On Dec 22 last year, Magistrate S. Arunjothy acquitted and discharged Namewee of a separate charge of administering drugs into his body after the prosecution informed the court that the pathology results were negative and withdrew the charge. – Bernama Senator Tiew Way Keng who sought details on measures taken by the government to prevent the misuse of 3R issues and the number of related prosecutions over the past decade. “We remain committed to upholding the right to freedom of speech, provided that it complies with the regulations that have been established.” He added that the police will take firm action by carrying out arrests and prosecutions against any individual who commits offences involving insulting, ridiculing or exploiting issues related to 3R, based on existing legal provisions. Saifuddin said to curb 3R issues, the government has stepped up law enforcement, increased online monitoring by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, issued stern warnings from the police, and set up a special Task Force 3R to oversee social media platforms. “All parties are urged to refrain from making statements involving 3R elements, reiterating that any breaches will be dealt with firmly. that the alleged attempt to topple the government involved locals who were purportedly using the influence of international media and institutions, including what he described as prominent Zionist linked groups. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said preliminary police findings indicated that the movement was based abroad and backed by significant financial resources, which were allegedly used to devise strategies aimed at challenging and destabilising the current administration.

PETALING JAYA: The Home Ministry revealed that over the past 10 years, police have opened 1,434 investigations into race, religion, and royalty (3R) issues, with 165 individuals charged in court. In a written reply to the Senate, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the government, through the police, assures that enforcement of laws related to 3R issues is carried out fairly, transparently and consistently, without any element of bias or political influence. “Every individual suspected of committing an offence will be investigated based on the prevailing legal provisions without taking into account their background, position or political status. “The police must be trusted to conduct investigations transparently and without interference. Therefore, all parties are reminded not to issue any statements that touch on elements of 3R,” he said in response to Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com KUALA LUMPUR: Rapper Wee Meng Chee, better known as Namewee, will submit a representation to review two charges of possession of drugs and Sildenafil last year. Lawyer Nur Aminahtul Mardiah Md Nor informed Magistrate Atiqah Mohamed @ Mohamad Saim that the representation will be submitted within a week. “In this regard, we request the court to set another date for the prosecution to update on the status of the representation,” she said during the case mention yesterday. The court fixed April 8 for the prosecution to inform the court of any developments regarding the representation. Namewee, 43, was charged with possessing 1.57g methamphetamine in a hotel room on Jalan Conlay here the investigation in stages, based on developments and findings gathered by investigators. “So far, the focus has been on local individuals, while any potential involvement of foreign parties will depend on further findings,” he said. Khalid also stressed that investigations involving national security must be handled carefully to prevent unnecessary public alarm. “We want the country to remain on the right track towards a more progressive future.” On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim disclosed

o Individual voluntarily came forward, while three to four more would be called to assist in investigations, says IGP

investigation progresses. When asked whether Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid, the widow of former Finance Minister Tan Sri Daim Zainuddin, would be called in to assist investigators, Khalid said the matter remains under consideration. He said police are proceeding with

may be able to assist in the investigation and are in the process of arranging for their statements to be recorded. Authorities will also look into the possibility of foreign involvement, although he said such elements will only be determined as the

Over 1,400 3R probes conducted in past 10 years: Home Ministry

‘Unfair action’ claims not true: MACC PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission he would have cooperated if he was approached. SEIZED ITEMS ... Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad (second from right) flanked by his deputy DCP Hoo Chuat Huat and Johor CID head ACP Mohd Zairi Badderul with cash and a fake pistol seized from a robbery. – BERNAMAPIC

MACC said in the ongoing investigation, 12 individuals, including a federal minister, had already been called in to provide statements and had cooperated with investigators. “If Chai has nothing to hide, he should present himself and cooperate with the investigation.” MACC further revealed that prior to issuing the notice, the investigating officer had made several attempts to contact Chai, who was believed to be in the United Kingdom, including through WhatsApp messages starting Feb 24. However, the attempts went unanswered and the officer’s number was eventually blocked by Chai’s phone number on Feb 26. “The claim that MACC did not attempt to contact him before issuing the notice is completely untrue. Attempts to portray normal investigative procedures as acts of persecution against an individual are unwarranted and made in bad faith.” MACC stressed that no one is above the law and reiterated that investigations will continue to be conducted professionally and based on evidence. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

MACC said the press conference held on Wednesday was to highlight tonto activities linked to Ops Middlemen, the illegal e-waste probe involving the Environment Deparatment, the Ops Heart investigation linked to IJN, as well as Ops Godfather, which involves Toh Puan Na’imah Abdul Khalid, her family members and associates. MACC also said the issuance of a Notice to Trace an individual or witness to assist in investigations is a standard investigative procedure practised by the commission and other enforcement agencies. The commission said such a notice is only issued after multiple attempts to contact the individual concerned have failed, including through phone calls, visits to the last known address or other reasonable means. “It must be emphasised that a Notice to Trace does not constitute a criminal accusation, nor does it imply that the individual concerned has committed any offence. It is merely a step taken to locate individuals required to assist in an investigation.”

(MACC) has denied claims by Chai Jin Shern, better known as James Chai, a former aide to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, that the anti-graft body had taken enforcement action against him in an unfair manner. The commission described Chai’s claims as inaccurate and misleading, adding that they created a false public perception on the investigative procedures carried out by MACC. “The allegation that the MACC press conference was held solely to target Chai is entirely untrue and baseless. “The press conference referred to was part of MACC’s regular monthly media briefing held periodically to update members of the media on developments in several ongoing investigations,” MACC said in a statement yesterday. MACC was responding to Chai’s criticism for issuing a public search notice and holding a press conference, which he said portrayed him as a fugitive. Chai also said authorities made no effort to contact him directly, via email or social media, and that

Rapper to submit representation over drug possession charges