Kadir claims IGP's statements add more mystery to sex video

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador has added more mystery to the sex video implicating Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali, according to a veteran newsperson.

A Kadir Jasin, who is also Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's media and communication adviser, said the police chief's remarks have fueled the people's imagination as well.

"I cannot blame the people if they do not stop here by just swallowing the police's statements (on the sex video) hook, line and sinker.

"This is because one of the two 'actors' (pelakon) in the 'Sandakan' video had come forward and revealed who is the other person 'kissing' (bercumbu-cumbuan) with him.

"This person is even willing to land in the (police) lock-up in defence of his allegation," he added in a blog post this evening.

Kadir was referring to former PKR Santubong Youth chief Haziq Abdullah Abdul Haziz, who confessed to being the person in the video engaging in sexual acts with another man.

Haziq, who is currently in police detention, had claimed that the other man was Azmin and their sexual encounter was recorded in the minister's hotel room in Sandakan, Sabah, in May.

Meanwhile, Kadir said the police chief's remarks have opened the space for several possibilities:

- To charge an individual or individuals who engaged in homosexual acts in the video.

- To charge an individual or individuals who screened or circulated the obscene video.

- Those who feel they have been humiliated can initiate civil action through a defamation suit.

Kadir said Pakatan Harapan leaders cannot wait until the people grow tired of their behaviour and foreign investors lose confidence in the country.

"Investors want to be ensured that the transition of power will take place smoothly as well as the policies and programmes agreed to will continue regardless of who becomes prime minister.

"If you are unable to do this, then quit. Don't be the rotten apple that spoils the whole barrel (Jangan jadi nila setitik yang merosakkan susu sebelanga)," he added, without mentioning names.

Yesterday, Hamid said the facial recognition process conducted by Cybersecurity Malaysia failed to link Azmin to the video, which is deemed to be most likely authentic.

The police chief added that investigations showed the existence of a "wicked pact", masterminded by the leader of a political party, to embarrass and tarnish the minister's reputation.

On the transition of power, Kadir explained the agreement that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim would succeed Mahathir could only change if the Harapan presidential council decides on another candidate.

"They (the council) are still tied to the promises in the election manifesto for GE14 which was supported by the majority of voters," he added.

At this moment, Kadir said it is imperative that the presidential council ensures that the infighting in PKR does not spread to Harapan.

In this context, the veteran newsman added, he supported Mahathir's stand not to interfere in PKR's internal affairs.

"The people are becoming fed up with the news and actions of Harapan leaders that do not benefit but rather cause trouble for the people.

"Harapan leaders must remember that the people gave them the mandate to govern the nation in a better manner than before (by the previous administration)," he added.

Speculation is rife that the sex video saga is related to Mahathir's alleged preference for Azmin to inherit the leadership reins.

Azmin, who is also PKR deputy president, had described the video as a nefarious campaign to ruin his political career and is convinced that it is an inside job.

Anwar has denied involvement but his political secretary is among those arrested in connection with the case.