[UPDATED] IGP: Police probing Negri Sembilan royal institution issue, may involve sedition

BUTTERWORTH: Police are investigating several reports linked to the royal institution in Negri Sembilan, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said.

Khalid said police had called several people to have their statements recorded, including those who could assist as witnesses in the investigation.

He said those called included individuals directly linked to the reports, with more statements expected to be recorded as the investigation progresses.

"Police are investigating. Once we have completed the investigation papers, we will submit them to the Attorney-General for further action," he told newsmen at the launch of Penang's "Whitening the Black Spot" initiative at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth.

Khalid said investigators were still examining the reports to determine the applicable legal provisions.

"We have not looked at it comprehensively yet. It may involve the Sedition Act or other offences, and it requires scrutiny by all parties, especially the Attorney-General's Chambers," he said.

He said police had not summoned any former state executive councillors today, dismissing reports that such questioning had begun.

"Today is Sunday, so not yet. We have not called them yet," he said.

He said police had previously called one or two individuals who could assist as witnesses and would continue recording statements from other parties involved.

He said further investigation, including the recording of statements, could begin tomorrow or Tuesday.

On the security situation in Negri Sembilan, Khalid said it remained stable and under control.

"It appears that the community understands the situation and is giving its best cooperation," he said.

The impasse in the state has been ongoing since April, when the Undang Yang Empat proclaimed the removal of Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim was reported to be among those who signed the proclamation, although he later claimed that he had done so under duress.

He maintained that the current exco line-up remained valid as the members were barred from entering the offices at Wisma Negeri last week.

Tuanku Muhriz had revoked the appointments of members of the state executive council after they were found to have breached their oath of office.