Please come forward and lodge report if really slandered - IGP

MELAKA: Police have advised UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to come forward and lodge a report on the viralled audio recording of telephone conversations, if it is true that they have been slandered.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said that so far, his department had only received seven reports from various parties and until Friday morning, no police report had been made by the two political leaders or their representatives.

“So far, seven reports have been received and we are looking at the public's reaction to the audio. If it gets to the point where people are already worried and upset, we will conduct an investigation.

"I was not informed (of any report made by Ahmad Zahid and Anwar), so we just wait. If it is true to say they have been slandered, come forward to make a report," he said at a press conference after the Op Khazanah Integrated Meeting (OBK) Series 7, here today.

Also present were Director-General of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Peninsular Malaysia Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim, and Director-General of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Datuk Seri Abdul Latif Abdul Kadir.

Commenting further, Abdul Hamid said, an analysis to determine the authenticity of the audio recordings and details of the viralled conversations will also be done as soon as the police receive a report from one of the individuals allegedly involved.

“That is a follow -up action when a report is made by someone who says he has been slandered. We will open an investigation paper.

"Only then will the police process and analyse the audio recording to assess the evidence or whatever is needed," he added.

On Wednesday, the voice recording of a phone call lasting four minutes and 17 seconds was spread on social media, resembling the voice of Anwar praising Ahmad Zahid's speech at the 2020 UMNO General Assembly.

However, Ahmad Zahid has denied allegations of his involvement in the voice recording.