Police continue probe into Jempol MP's alleged campaign remarks

KUALA LUMPUR: Police are still investigating Jempol member of parliament Datuk Shamsulkahar Deli over remarks he allegedly made while campaigning during the Negri Sembilan election.

The investigation papers were returned by the state prosecution office for further action, the Home Ministry said.

The ministry said the initial stage of the investigation had been completed before the papers were referred to the Negri Sembilan prosecution office on Aug 21 for review and further instructions.

"On Sept 3, the investigation papers were returned to the police with several further instructions for the investigating officer to act on.

"Investigations are still ongoing to complete the matters as instructed, and the investigation papers will be resubmitted to the Negri Sembilan prosecution office for further instructions," it said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday.

The ministry was responding to R. S. N. Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who asked why Shamsulkahar had yet to be charged in court for any criminal offence despite allegedly making defamatory and inflammatory remarks while campaigning during the state election.

The investigation papers were opened under the Penal Code, Election Offences Act 1954 and Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The investigation followed allegations that Shamsulkahar had made defamatory remarks linking a political party to a caricature deemed insulting to the Selangor Sultan while campaigning during the state election.

Negri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said 62 police reports were received between July 18 and July 28.

He said 19 investigation papers relating to election offences were opened.