Malaysian police question Mahathir for 'defaming' the king

Mahathir was questioned after he said the 'King is likely under house arrest."

Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was questioned by police on Friday for allegedly defaming the country's king.

Recently at a public event, Mahathir allegedly said the "King is likely under house arrest." The comment came after Mahathir faced difficulty in getting an audience with the monarch for submitting the 1.4 million signatures which were collected to force the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Four police officers took Mahathir's statements for about 30 minutes at the 90-year-old's office. Mahathir's lawyer Ahmad Bazlan, who was present throughout the police interview, told AFP,:"He was in his usual jovial mood".

He also said most of the questions by police were on the Citizens' Declaration and in some points Mahathir refrained himself from answering some of the queries. Mahathir was asked a total of 37 questions.

Ahmad Bazlan said that questions were mostly over a police report that was lodged at the Dang Wangi police station on Mahathir's alleged statement regarding the rulers. He also said the case was being investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation.

While leaving the building, Mahathir was seen waving to reporters from his car.

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