KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 — Police are investigating an MIC deputy minister over a photograph of him bearing a firearm in his trousers after the image was circulated online.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa said that the police are looking into elements of threat over the incident, and have already recorded statements from several parties.
“We are conducting an inquiry,” he was quoted saying in a report by Malay daily Harian Metro today.
On Wednesday the photograph showing Deputy Youth and Sports Datuk M. Saravanan with his coat slightly open and exposing the grip of the gun was distributed on Facebook.
The picture was supposedly taken during a standoff at the MIC headquarters here, on the day Saravanan reportedly received a death threat from an unknown caller.
In a separate report by The Star, Saravan said he has a firearm permit that allows him to carry the weapon, and has done so since he became a Senator in 2003.
“I did not use the firearm or intimidate or harm anyone,” he said in The Star’s report, adding that his yearly permit was valid.
“On that day, my coat button gave way, exposing the gun. I think some parties only want publicity by uploading that photo.”
The Tapah MP also reportedly said every MP was entitled to bear a firearm.
