Bukit Aman criminal investigation department (CID) director Shuhaily Zain said five investigation papers have been opened against Badrul since June this year, adding that the former PKR member refused to cooperate in all five probes.
Badrul was being probed for criminal defamation, intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, disclosure of information obtained in the performance of one’s duties, and improper use of network facilities, among others.
“The police arrested Badrul at Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur after obtaining a warrant from the Kuala Lumpur magistrates’ court following his refusal to cooperate with the cops after being summoned to assist in investigations,” he said.
He added that the arrest was not related to the rally planned by Perikatan Nasional’s youth wing this Saturday.
At a press conference, Shuhaily said one of the probes against Badrul involved his claim that Malaysia had surrendered a block in the Sulawesi Sea to Indonesia after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met President Joko Widodo recently.
Other cases involved his claims on properties owned by Anwar and for allegedly leaking documents belonging to a government agency.
He said the police had summoned Badrul several times previously to record his statement, but he refused to cooperate.
“He got our notices, but (he) said he does not want to (have his statement recorded). So, we have no choice but to obtain a warrant to arrest him over the previous cases.”
He added that the police will complete their questioning within 24 hours from the time of the arrest, which was around 8pm.
Earlier today, PAS Youth information chief Nadzir Helmi confirmed Badrul’s arrest to FMT.
He said Badrul was about to attend a meeting on the Sept 16 rally when he was detained.
Meanwhile, Shuhaily reminded the public to be responsible social media users, and to refrain from using the platform to cause disharmony in the nation.
“The police will take strict action without compromise on anyone who threatens the nation’s harmony,” he warned.
We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.