Bukit Aman has recorded the statement of the Perlis MP and former minister who is being investigated for allegedly molesting a 15-year-old girl.
- Police grill suspect and interview nine others, including the victim’s parents, her bandmates, the suspect’s driver
- Teacher told victim MP wanted to see her in his car where he held her hand and caressed her shoulder, following which she immediately ran out of the car
- The suspect and victim were alone in the car for 20 minutes, allegedly in a secluded spot
- MP denies paying off family to have police report retracted
- Police deny trying to cover up case
- Lawyer calls for arrest of suspect
- Claims the incident gives the impression there is a serious lack of political will to save young girls from being sexually abused
- Cops urged to act transparently and professionally instead of threatening activist who brought the matter to light
- MP claims incident just a misunderstanding.
Perlis police chief Senior Asst Comm Noor Mushar Mohamed said the suspect, who went to Bukit Aman at close to noon Tuesday (Oct 30), spent a few hours with investigators.
“The questioning of the suspect lasted until around 5pm.
“We are close to wrapping up the investigation into the matter,” he said.
“We will forward the investigation papers to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP).
“The DPP will then decide on further action on the matter,” he said.
It was reported that the statement of the MP would be managed by the Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Child Investigations Division (D11).
The case is classified under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
“Apart from the suspect, police have also interviewed nine others to facilitate investigations.
“The nine others include the victim’s parents, her bandmates, the suspect’s driver and several other individuals,” Noor Mushar said.
It was learnt that a police report was made on Oct 20, alleging that the victim, 15, was molested by the MP but the report was withdrawn by the victim’s family on the same day.
The victim from Arau, Perlis, wrote in her police report that she was told by her teacher that the former minister had wanted to see her after he saw her perform with a band at Stadium Tuanku Syed Putra.
The secondary school student had been performing with a group, Kumpulan Aukustika on 7@DSSK Busker.
According to her, when she went to the former minister’s car, he invited her to play in Kuala Lumpur and offered her an RM4,000 fee.
She alleged that during the discussion, he held her hand and caressed her shoulder without her consent.
The student said she immediately ran out of the car.
“Both were in the car alone. She ran out crying after the suspect tried to touch her. The teacher who called the girl to meet the man saw her crying,” Noor Mushar said.
Reportedly, the teen referred to the male teacher as ‘Cikgu Azhar Hassan’.
It was also reported that both the suspect and the victim spent 20 minutes in the car.
Despite the withdrawal of the report, police said investigations must go on, and that any understanding reached between the victim’s family and the suspect is not related to the police.
“Investigators have also approached the victim to find out if she was influenced to withdraw her report,” Noor Mushar said.
“Statements made saying that police are not being fair or trying to cover up the case is absolutely not true.
“Ever since the victim lodged her first report on October 21, investigations have been going on,” he added.
Noor Mushar said the police chose not to make a public statement on the case to protect the victim.
“It is important for us to handle the case carefully as this involves a minor.
“Our priority is her well-being and to ensure she is fine,” he said.
Harian Metro yesterday reported the lawmaker in question as saying the matter was just a misunderstanding.
He said he had not meant to touch the girl to the point that her family were compelled to lodge a report, and denied that the incident took place in a secluded spot.
“I have known the family for a long time, for almost two years, and this alleged incident occurred in a public area,” the MP was quoted as saying by Harian Metro.
“I do not want to prolong the matter as I pity the student who has a bright future ahead.”
The report also said he denied paying off the family to have the police report retracted.
“People claim I’ve given bribes. I didn’t even know the family had retracted the police report they made until they themselves told me,” he was quoted as saying.
Earlier, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director Latheefa Koya said that the police must arrest the former minister over the matter.
She added the student’s decision to retract her police report was a matter of grave concern and alarm.
“What is highly suspicious and strange is that Noor Mushar claimed the complainant has apparently retracted the report.
“This is baffling as a police report lodged on a crime can never be retracted. It must be investigated. Which part of the law or procedure is the police chief referring to?” she asked in a statement.
Latheefa said if the teenager filed the report without basis, then it must be determined what compelled her to make such a serious allegation.
“On the other hand, if there is a basis for such a report irrespective of whether it is retracted, then why is the perpetrator or suspect still free? Police must proceed urgently to secure the evidence, including arresting the suspect named by the girl.
“Clearly this matter involving sexual assault upon a child is of grave public interest, it is made more serious as it is said to involve a prominent politician,” she added.
The matter came to light after activist R Sri Sanjeevan, who runs anti-crime outfit Malaysian Crime Watch Task Force, questioned the police for not arresting the politician.
In a series of tweets regarding the issue, Sanjeevan had earlier revealed the MP’s name.
There are three parliament seats in Perlis – Kangar, which is held by Pakatan Harapan, and Arau and Padang Besar, both held by Umno.
The Arau MP is Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who is also state Umno liaison chief.
The former state mentri besar was also a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, a post he held until the May 9 general election.
The Padang Besar MP is Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin while Noor Amin Ahmad is Kangar MP.
Malaysiakini reported that Noor Mushar had rebuked Sanjeevan over his accusation that certain quarters were attempting to close the case.
Latheefa urged the police to act transparently and professionally instead of threatening Sanjeevan for alleging there could be a cover-up.
“This latest incident gives the impression there seems to be a serious lack of political will to save young girls from being sexually abused, harassed or even groomed.
“The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, which has a responsibility for victims of sexual abuse, must immediately seek out this young girl and ensure that she gets proper protection, assistance and counselling,” she added.
Earlier report: Oct 29, Teen Girl Retracts Report Accusing Ex-Minister of Molest