72 reports lodged over ex-minister’s remarks on Lahad Datu incursion

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 72 police reports have been lodged against Warisan leader Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi for allegedly saying that the intrusion by terrorists in Lahad Datu, Sabah in 2013 was a farce.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said police have opened an investigation paper, adding that the case is being investigated by the Bukit Aman Classified Criminal Investigation Unit.

“We have sent the unit to assist the Sabah police contingent headquarters and witnesses will be called to give their statements,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

When asked to comment on Mohamaddin’s statement, Acryl said it had offended parties involved in the Lahad Datu incident.

“I do not want to comment further but what is important is we are investigating the case,” he said.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said in a statement that the accusation was an insult to the security forces and their families, as 10 members of the Malaysian security forces were killed in the incident.

Chief of Defence Force Jen Tan Sri Affendi Buang also said Mohamaddin’s statement belittled the role and responsibility of the Armed Forces.

When campaigning for Warisan in the 16th Sabah state election three days ago, Mohamaddin, the former tourism, arts and culture minister, had alleged that the terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu was a sham. – Bernama