Mat Sabu Says His Son Is "Not Above The Law" After He Was Arrested For Taking Marijuana
The Defence Minister also said that he will let the law "take its course".
By Sadho Ram — 06 Jan 2019, 02:42 PM
Following the news that a minister's son was arrested after he allegedly tested positive for marijuana, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu (Mat Sabu) released a statement on his official Facebook page, revealing it was his son Ahmad Saiful who was arrested
"I have been informed about my son's arrest Ahmad Saiful by the police today.
"Following this arrest, my family and I have left the matter entirely to the authorities to act in accordance with the process of the law.
"My son, like the children of others, is also subject to the country's legal processes," read Mat Sabu's statement posted on Facebook last night, 5 January.
Mat Sabu said that while he and his "family members are going through the most difficult period of our lives", as a minister he would put aside his personal interests and allow the law to take its course
"We never thought this would happen. As a father, I too want to know the truth... But if he had indeed committed an offence, then I am all for the law to take its course.
"I am committed to the principle that no one is above the law. But I also hold dearly to the principle that a man is innocent until he is proven guilty in a court of law," the Defence Minister was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today (FMT).
"We live by the law. My suffering is secondary," he added.
According to media reports, Mat Sabu's 31-year-old son, Ahmad Saiful, was released on police bail at 6pm yesterday, 5 January
He was picked up by a joint team involving the Dang Wangi Narcotics Crime Investigation Department and its Secret Society, Gaming and Vice Division (D7) during a raid at entertainment outlets that was conducted late Saturday night along the Jalan Ampang area. He had reportedly tested positive for marijuana.
A total of 101 individuals were reportedly tested for drugs during the raid, with two, including Ahmad Saiful, testing positive, reported Malaysiakini.
The case is being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for the consumption of drugs, under which a person found guilty can be fined up to RM5,000 or be sentenced to two years' jail upon conviction.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, in a statement, said that as a father himself, he expresses empathy for Mat Sabu
"I extend my support and commend his openness in addressing the matter.
"Everyone is subjected to the same laws, I just want to show my support as a father," he was quoted as saying by The Star, adding that Mat Sabu's family be given space.