Bandar Tun Razak Umno division chief Datuk Rizalman Mokhtar who was arrested after allegedly testing positive for drugs during a raid on De Vegas Club on Monday (April 2) has maintained his innocence, stressing that he is not involved in drugs.
- Claims he was at the karaoke centre because he loves to sing
- All 10 people in his group tested positive for drugs
- Authorities acted on a tip that the well-known and long-established entertainment outlet was operating without a licence
- No raid on other rooms
- Not known why MACC officers were present
- Does not know if BN or opposition members framed him
- Urged to give up party and government positions
- Will only resign if found guilty
- Keen on contesting a parliamentary seat in GE14
Rizalman vehemently denied ever using drugs and says that he was only drinking coffee with some friends and that no alcoholic beverages were served the night of his arrest at the outlet.
He was speaking at a packed press conference at the Bandar Tun Razak Umno division headquarters on Wednesday (April 4).
“If the reports saying that I am positive are right, I am sure it is a set-up to tarnish my good name,” he said.
The Star earlier reported that an Umno division chief was arrested at a karaoke joint at Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur, at around 2am on April 2 in a joint operation by the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigating an anonymous tip that the outlet was operating without a licence.
The reported quoted sources saying a urine test was conducted on the suspect and it came back positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
The division chief was brought to the Dang Wangi police headquarters for further action
before he was subsequently released on bail.
The Sun also said Rizalman tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
It reported that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he would discuss the matter with party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Apparently, Zahid also said the incident should not have happened as it would undoubtedly be exploited for the coming general election.
Rizalman’s family, including his wife and children, and Barisan Nasional (BN) supporters from Bandar Tun Razak were also present at the press conference to show their support.
When asked what he was doing at the karaoke centre, Rizalman said that he went there for normal leisure activities and assumed the outlet was licensed as it has been open for almost a decade.
“It was simple entertainment, which is not illegal, and I believe a lot of people do the same. I like singing, and I got to sing two or three songs that night.
“We abstained from alcohol and only drank coffee and soft drinks.
“When all ten of us were arrested we all tested positive for drugs.
“I was surprised because I did not feel high or intoxicated the whole night. I have never taken drugs or alcohol. I did not hallucinate and I was normal during the arrest so I am wondering why my [test result] is positive,” he said.
He suggested the incident may have stemmed from those seeking to derail his possible selection for the 14th general election.
When asked if he thought that BN members or those from the opposition had framed him, he said that he did not know.
“I have been trapped but I don’t know by who…I know I have been trapped,” he said.
“It is unfair for me to answer, we have a lot of enemies in politics, and enemies can come from every angle, so it’s difficult to answer. All I know is I have been trapped,” he said.
He added that the way the operation was carried out was very specific and that the authorities did not raid any other room but only his room.
He alleged that he did not know why MACC officers were also present with the police when he was arrested.
“I suspect there is a political agenda behind this, but I’m not sure who is behind this. The way the operation was executed was extremely specific and I was taken directly to the Dang Wangi police headquarters.”
Following the incident, a group of grassroots Umno leaders have urged Rizalman to give up his party and government positions. He is also an independent, non-executive director of Amanahraya.
But Rizalman said he would not resign.
“I will use every avenue the law gives me to defend myself and clear my name, my family’s name, and the name of Umno and BN.
“I will continue my service in politics and help BN in Bandar Tun Razak. However, I am also ready to resign all my positions if investigations and the court find me guilty.
“But for now, I will not resign, because I have not been found guilty and my division is 100% with me,” he said.
“I also ask that all the organisations that I am a part of, Umno and BN, are not implicated in this as this is a personal attack on me,” he added.
Rizalman, who was speculated to be contesting a parliamentary seat in GE14, said he is keen to run if his name is cleared because he knows he has the support of the grassroots and because of his hard work and dedication to the party for the past 14 years.
Speaking to his supporters after the press conference, Rizalman told them that he was feeling down after all that has happened.
“My wife told me to face the public and tell the truth, I am not guilty. I will work harder if I get support from all of you, I won’t back down and be scared of my political rivals,” he said.
Earlier report: Apr 3, ‘Datuk’ Umno Division Chief Busted for Drug Use at KL Nightspot