MOHAMADDIN Ketapi has lodged a police report over an article published on the blog SabahKini2 alleging he had used public funds to take his family on an official visit to Singapore recently. 

The tourism, arts and culture minister said he was contemplating taking legal action against those behind the libelous article.

“In my recent trip to Singapore, I forked out my own money to purchase the tickets for my wife and children.  

“I don’t want to use the government’s money. I alone can use my own money, not use the government’s fund.

“I have lodged a police report. We will hunt down the person behind the article and we will take legal action. I am not afraid of untruths,” he said after the 14th Aswara Convocation programme in Kuala Lumpur today.

The Silam MP said he was also willing to produce receipts should it come down to that.

“Who wants to see the receipts? I have all the receipts and proof that I have paid from my own pocket. I have never used government funds for my own self-interest.

“I couldn’t find those behind the article, which is why I lodged a police report,” he said.

The blog entry had said Muhamaddin used public funds to cover the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore airfare for his wife and daughter.

The article quoted a ministerial source as saying that the minister went shopping and skipped several events during his visit.

The business class air tickets dated October 4 was also published in the entry.

The article also alleged the ministry had to foot some expenses borne by the minister’s family while in Singapore.

On Ocotber 12, Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali announced ministers were not allowed to bring their family members or entourage on short working visits. – October 20, 2018.