POLICE have launched an investigation into PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s claim that the United States offered cooperation to topple the Barisan Nasional (BN) government in 2014.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar said the investigation was being conducted under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
"To date, PDRM has received 12 police reports regarding the issue and statements from 12 witnesses have been recorded. Abdul Hadi's statement will also be taken in the near future to complete the investigation," he said in a statement on Monday.
Section 505(b) covers offences involving statements likely to cause public mischief, while Section 233 concerns the improper use of network facilities or network services.
Kumar urged the public not to speculate on the case in ways that could interfere with the investigation, and called on Malaysians to use social media responsibly.
He also cautioned against making statements that could threaten public order and safety.
Hadi had previously claimed that several PAS leaders were invited to a meeting with the US Embassy during then-US president Barack Obama’s visit to Malaysia in 2014.
He alleged that the US side had offered assistance to topple the BN government at the time.
The US Embassy in Malaysia has denied the allegation, saying in a Facebook statement on Sunday that the United States had never sought to determine Malaysia’s political leadership and describing claims to the contrary as false.
If convicted under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, an offender may face up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
A conviction under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 carries a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. - September 8, 2026
