FORMER prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s bodyguard service provided by the elite Special Action Unit (UTK) has not been withdrawn and only ordinary members of the police force were recalled, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said, as reported by Mingguan Malaysia.

“That is totally not true. The bodyguard service that comprises UTK officers are still serving with Dr Mahathir,” Mohamad Fuzi told the Malay newspaper.

“Only ordinary members (of the police force) have been recalled for other assignments. It’s just normal procedure,” he said.

On Wednesday, Dr Mahathir said on his Facebook page that the police had withdrawn the bodyguard service, which is accorded to all former prime ministers.

The 92-year-old former prime minister is now chairman of the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan and also leads one of its component parties, Bersatu.

Last year, Dr Mahathir’s police outriders were withdrawn following his attendance at anti-government events.

He quit Umno in February last year after sharp disagreement with Prime Minister Najib Razak over his management of the economy and alleged corruption in state investor 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

After Dr Mahathir said his bodyguard service had been withdrawn, social media users condemned the move and called it shameful and petty. – November 5, 2017.