VETERAN newsman A. Kadir Jasin has resigned as spokesman of the powerful Council of Eminent Persons, two days after police said he is being investigated for criminal defamation.

Police opened investigation papers after reports were lodged over the Bersatu supreme council member’s two blog posts about the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s alleged expenses.

Government news wire Bernama announced Kadir’s resignation today.

The former newspaper editor has received brickbats over his articles on the Malay rulers, in particular, the posts on the Agong.

Kadir has insisted that he has never taken advantage of his position to attack the rulers, and always stated that his articles are his personal view and have nothing to do with his position.

Among those who criticised Kadir’s take on the royalty was Pakatan Harapan de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, who has had an audience with some rulers to explain the new administration’s policies.

Kadir has also said he never disputed the need for Anwar to seek an audience with the Malay rulers to assure them that the PH government respects the royal institution.

“I did not dispute it. I only said the rulers don’t need to be given guarantees or comforted. Their positions are guaranteed by the federal constitution.

“I do not deny that PH works hard to get the rulers’ support. Only later did I know that apart from Anwar, other PH leaders, too, had gone to seek an audience with the rulers.” – June 9, 2018.