Pas chief Hadi gives statement over US claim to topple BN govt

Kota Baru: Police have documented a statement made by the president of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (Pas), Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, regarding his claim that the United States (US) extended assistance to remove the Barisan Nasional (BN) government in 2014. Hadi's political secretary, Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman, announced that Hadi provided the statement in Kuala Lumpur several days prior.

The matter remains under investigation, with several witnesses also being questioned. Tan Sri Tuan Guru, Hadi, has requested the police handle the matter and declined further comment, citing respect for the ongoing investigation. Media outlets previously reported that Hadi mentioned in his final address at the 72nd Pas annual meeting on September 5th, attended by several Pas leaders, that they were invited to a meeting at the US Embassy during Barack Obama's visit to Malaysia in 2014.

The US Embassy refuted Hadi's assertion, stating that the United States never aimed to influence Malaysia's political leadership. This prompted the police to initiate an investigation under Sections 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, following 12 separate reports. Bukit Aman's Criminal Investigation Department director, Datuk M. Kumar, confirmed that 12 police reports were lodged in connection with the matter.