‘Reopen probe against Mahathir’ - G Vinod

In an open letter to IGP Ismail Omar, the former KL CID chief said the case was never closed as indicated by former IGP Musa Hassan and AG Abdul Gani Patail in 2008.

PETALING JAYA: The police should reopen investigations on former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on alleged abuse of power, said former Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigations Department CID) chief Mat Zain Ibrahim today.

In an open letter to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ismail Omar, Mat Zain said he was referring to then Anti-Corruption Agency’s (ACA) probe on Mahathir under the instruction of its then director-general, Shafee Yahya.

“Former IGP Musa Hassan and Attorney-General (AG) Abdul Gani Patail told the media in April 2008 that the probe against Mahathir was closed by former AG Mohtar Abdullah in February 2000.

“But I tell you that the case is still open,” said Mat Zain.

Mat Zain said that the case could not have been closed in February 2000 as the police reports were only made against Mahathir in June that year.

He also said a businessman lodged a subsequent report against Mahathir on July 22, 2000.

“The investigation papers were only produced to AG Chambers in November 2000. Even then, the KL police delayed further probe pending new statements from others, including Shafee,” said Mat Zain.

Training his guns against Musa and Gani, Mat Zain said that it was obvious that the duo were attempting to deceive the rakyat by saying the the case against Mahathir was closed.

“What’s worse is that they passed the buck to a dead person (Mohtar) to save their own necks,” said Mat Zain.

He alleged that duo were up to the same tricks when they deceived Mahathir into believing that Anwar had sodomised his driver Azizan Abu Bakar at Tivolli Villa, when the building was not even constructed when the said crime was allegedly committed.

“I believe even Mahathir would not be able fathom the duo’s statement which doesn’t make sense,” Mat Zain.

He urged Ismail to refer to Shafee’s book, “From estate boy to ACA chief” to get more information pertaining the investigation against Mahathir.

“I urge the police to reopen the investigations as the details mentioned in the book should be considered as new developments to the case,” said Mat Zain.