POLICE have denied keeping PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s mobile phone as a form of intimidation.

Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the matter was part of the investigation process for offences under the penal code (Act 574) and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) to enable forensics analysis.

“The device will be returned after the analysis and investigation are completed,” he said in a statement last night.

Rafizi was called to have his statement recorded on Saturday to facilitate investigations, after a police report was lodged over a viral statement that allegedly slandered Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad, he said, adding that the mobile phone with the SIM card believed to have uploaded the post being investigated had been taken and kept by the police for digital forensic analysis.

He added that police were also investigating a report lodged against Latiff and his statement has been recorded.

“Investigations related to both reports are being conducted professionally without any form of pressure, as certain parties alleged.

“The public is reminded to not make any speculation that could disrupt the investigations and to give police room to wrap up its probe,” he said.

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim had urged the IGP in a media statement yesterday to stop pressuring and harassing Rafizi after police seized his mobile phone while he was giving his statement on allegations against Latiff. – Bernama, September 5, 2022.