'I did not spend what is not mine' - Ahmad Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today stressed that he did not spend any money or dip into the public coffers for his son's wedding reception in Indonesia.

He said his son's father-in-law, an Indonesian businessman, organised the reception upon learning that he would be making an official visit to the neighbouring country from Sept 18 to 21.

"My son got married with an Indonesian girl in Kuala Lumpur before that. Then my in-laws, knowing of my official visit, organised a reception for their daughter to be held on Sept 19 evening.

"I did not spend any money in organising the wedding reception as that is on the girl (bride)'s side. I did not spend any money to entertain anybody for the function because it is not mine. It is my besan (in-laws')," he said.

Ahmad Zahid was asked by reporters to comment on a posting by a blogger, Shahbudin Husin, who questioned the timing of his official visit to Indonesia, which coincided with the reception.

"I am not using or abusing public funds," said Ahmad Zahid, while adding that Shahbudin, who he had known since 1987, should have sought him for an explanation instead of questioning publicly.

Yesterday, Shahbudin was called by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission in Cyberjaya to have his statement recorded over a blog posting.

He is being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, for improper use of network facilities or network service.

The offence is punishable by a maximum RM50,000 fine, a two-year jail term or both, and with a further RM1,000 fine for each day where the offence continues to be committed after an individual is convicted.