Following his son’s arrest over a drug-related offence during an anti-vice raid in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu has decided to leave the matter entirely to the authorities.
In a statement on his official Facebook page on Saturday (5 Jan), he revealed that he and his family have decided to do so as his son, Ahmad Saiful Islam Mohamad, is also subject to the laws of the country, just like the children of other Malaysians.
The Star Online reported that Ahmad Saiful was among 101 persons who underwent a drug test during the raid of an entertainment outlet along Jalan Ampang in the city centre on Saturday morning, and had subsequently tested positive for marijuana.
The raid was jointly carried out by a team comprising the Dang Wangi Narcotics Crime Investigation Department and its Secret Society, Gaming and Vice Division (D7).
However, Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Deputy Comm Zainuddin Yaakob confirmed that Ahmad Saiful and another man who was also detained for testing positive for drugs were released on police bail around 6pm the same day.
The case is being investigated under Section 15(1)(A) of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952 on the grounds of drug abuse.
Malaysian netizens have praised the Defence Minister for his honesty regarding such a difficult matter:
(Translation of Hairul Daniel’s comment: Very good of Brother Mat [to have admitted his son’s arrest]. No cover-ups. Hopefully Brother Mat stays strong. It’s not easy to face such matters, especially as a leader.)
