Deputy IGP: Hadi skipped most questions when statement recorded over Pardons Board allegations, to answer in court

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — The police confirmed today that they have taken PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s statements for the remarks he made about the authority of the Pardons Board.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said that Hadi responded to only five out of the 24 questions asked by the authorities when his statement was recorded.

“We have taken seven statements and there are more statements to be recorded.

“Hadi answered five questions out of the 24 questions we asked. The remaining 19 questions will be answered in court,” he said during a press conference at Bukit Aman here.

The police said that the recording took place at the Islamist party’s national headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut this morning at 11.30 am.

He was investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act for misuse of network facilities and Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948.

Ayob Khan emphasised that it is the police's responsibility to thoroughly complete the investigation and compile the necessary investigation papers.

“These materials will be forwarded to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) with a comprehensive proposal regarding the potential charges under Section 4 and Section 233," he said.

He clarified that whether Hadi is accused or not accused will depend on the assessment conducted by the AGC at a later stage.

Earlier today, it was reported that Hadi’s political secretary Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman said the recording of the statement took about an hour.

Mohd Syahir also said that a lawyer was present when the statement was recorded and added that the PAS president would also extend his full cooperation if it was necessary to record more statements.

Hadi allegedly disputed the Pardons Board’s authority during an August 26 ceramah at the Bakri PAS headquarters near Muar, Johor while campaigning for the Perikatan Nasional candidates in the twin by-elections for the Pulai federal seat and Simpang Jeram state seat.

Hadi had allegedly said that the process of granting pardons to an offender in Malaysia goes against Islamic teachings.

He pointed out that the party who has the right to grant pardons or amnesties is the victim’s family member, and not the Pardons Board.

Hadi said that PAS wants the current law to be changed to those that reflect Islamic values.