Statements recorded from nine suspects on secession issue

PUTRAJAYA: Nine people, three of them women, were questioned by police in Tuaran, Sabah on Sunday for allegedly distributing pamphlets inciting Sabahans to support the state's secession from Malaysia.
The nine who are aged between 24 and 50 were allegedly spotted handing out the pamphlets to the public at a busy shopping spot in Tuaran before being detained.
The individuals who are being investigated under the Sedition Act were freed on police bail hours later after their statement was recorded.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said today police will come down hard on those who incite Sabah's secession as it can be considered as treason.
"Police will not allow this to happen.We have put out strict orders to my officers in Sabah and Sarawak that we will not tolerate any attempt to instigate the people and we will take stern action on those behind this plan. You can be assured of this." he warned during a press conference after launching the police football team at the Putrajaya Marriot Hotel.
On another matter, Khalid who was asked on news reports alleging that media tycoon Datuk Tong Kooi Ong had committed economic sabotage and had a hand in the weakening of the ringgit, said if the claims were true, the businessman will have to face the music.
He declined to say if Tong had been placed under police radar when asked.
"If this is true, he will have to be prepared to face whatever laws are applicable in this case. The police constantly keeps in its scrutiny and will investigate any threat that will affect the country's security and well being. I will not comment further" he said.
Khalid also took a swipe at online news portal Malaysiakini.com over its news report alleging that certain factions of the police force are disgruntled with the Home Ministry over a letter it had sent to the FBI that vouched for alleged gambling kingpin Paul Phua who was held in the US for illegal gambling activities.
"This is an attempt to inflame ties between the police and Home Ministry. I cannot allow this to go on. Looks like we have to call up the chief editor of Malaysiakini.com. If they keep playing up this matter, they are purposely inviting trouble. So do not try to drive a wedge between the police and our ministry. Report responsibly and if there are police officers who are unhappy as claimed, then tell us who," he said.