Mystery over probe into ex-minister

malaysianinsider - There is a mystery brewing over investigations into an allegation that a former minister molested a staff member of a cigar bar. Is he going to be charged or is he in the clear?

On Wednesday, the New Straits Times reported that police are recommending that the man, a minister until Parliament was dissolved before the election, be charged with assault or the use of criminal force with intent to outrage modesty. The newspaper noted that if charged and convicted, the politician faces a maximum 10 years in jail, fine and whipping.

It added that Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman had submitted investigation papers to the Attorney-General's Chambers for further instruction. This report in the NST caused palpitations among the police brass, the AG’s chambers and the former minister.

A top police officer has since contacted the senior management of the NST, saying that the report was wrong and wanting to record a statement from the reporter. For his part, the journalist appears to be sticking by his report, saying that the information was correct. It is unclear if the NST will retract its report today. In any case, this episode will just add another layer of questions over a case which has attracted much publicity since it became public. more...