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"IF I am wrong, intimate charges against me."
This was the unequivocal stance of Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar, Chief of Melaka Police, as he defended his remarks regarding allegations that the partner of a criminal had a criminal record, a claim contested by the lawyer representing the family involved.
Dzulkhairi emphasised that the police would not release statements to the media without solid factual backing.
"If there are no facts, we will not issue a statement," he said. "I am clarifying this matter in response to what has been discussed on social media," he added, explaining that his comments were prompted by online discussions.
He expressed concern over online claims suggesting that the woman in question held multiple criminal records, prompting him to clarify the situation in his capacity as the state police chief.
"I felt compelled to explain because it is indeed our responsibility to clarify what is being discussed on social media," he said.
Addressing the lawyer’s assertion that the woman had no criminal record and had never been arrested, Dzulkhairi categorically stated that the claim was inaccurate.
"She says that the individual has never been arrested. If she was never arrested, how is there a record of detention? There are indeed 10 records of detention," he said, confirming the existence of ten detention records.
He clarified that not all arrests lead to court charges, but each arrest is still documented by the police.
"Not every arrest necessarily leads to charges, but if it is just for questioning, it is not recorded in the criminal record. We will summon someone if we suspect they are involved in a particular case," he explained, noting that individuals are questioned when suspected of involvement in specific incidents.
Dzulkhairi added that anyone who believes his statement is incorrect or that it interferes with an investigation has the right to take legal action.
"If you think I am wrong, sue me. Don’t just say it," he remarked.
The controversy follows reports by a news portal that a lawyer representing the families of three men shot dead by police last month denied claims that the partner of one of the suspects was a criminal.
The lawyer argued that a person only acquires a criminal record if charged and convicted in court, which, according to them, did not apply to the woman.
Separately, on Tuesday, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) confirmed that the investigation papers concerning the shooting of three men in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, have been referred to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).
The Chief of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, said that after reviewing the case, the AGC agreed with the police recommendation to reclassify the investigation as a murder case under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
"PDRM stresses its commitment to ensuring that every investigation process is conducted transparently, with integrity, and in accordance with the law to ensure justice for all parties.
“PDRM will not compromise on any form of misconduct," Khalid said, affirming the force’s dedication to transparency, integrity, and legal compliance in all investigations.
Earlier reports indicated that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had received assurances from the Inspector-General of Police that the probe into the shooting of the three men would be thorough and transparent, with no compromises.
The Prime Minister acknowledged certain shortcomings within the PDRM but cautioned against portraying the force negatively as a whole.
The fatal shooting occurred on 24 November, when three men aged between 24 and 29 were shot after one of them attacked a police officer with a machete at a palm plantation in Durian Tunggal. The police corporal, in his early 30s, sustained a serious injury to his left arm.
The three suspects were believed to be involved in 20 criminal cases in Melaka, and one case each in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, with estimated losses amounting to RM1.35 million.
Following family objections to claims of violent behaviour by the deceased men, Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department established a special team to investigate the complaints. - December 17, 2025