PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has questioned why he has been interrogated "like a common criminal" up to 10 times by the police over the years merely for voicing his opinion.
The two-time former prime minister has also questioned why his statement concerning the loyalty of Indians and Chinese communities to the country is being investigated when there are many of those making remarks concerning the 3R issues of race, religion and royalty who are not investigated.
He said he is being selective targeted those listed in the Pandora and Panama papers remain scot free with no investigations.
"I don't see what I did wrong. I have a right to have my own stance and opinion. I will answer (more) in court when my case is brought to court," he said.
"I'm not complaining... it's their (the police) right to question me but why am I the only one being questioned? My name is not in the Pandora or Panama papers, so why am I being investigated?
"Today, they asked me around 19 questions and I can answer some such as where and when the interview was. When they played the recording (of the interview), I said I will answer (more) in court when my case is brought to court," he said to the media at a press conference, here, today.
Dr Mahathir said this after having his statement recorded at the Perdana Leadership Foundation, here, over his controversial remarks concerning the loyalty of Indians and Chinese communities to the country during an interview with a news organisation from India.
The recording of the statement took about 50 minutes.
Dr Mahathir said he would answer substantial questions about his remarks in court.
He said he was a law abiding citizen who would answer any queries by the police as long as it was not against the law.
"Tuns have it much worse as we can't even say anything (without being investigated). I want to ask; can I state my opinion or not?
"Other statements which are more racist are okay but when I make a statement, there will be police reports lodged and I will be questioned," he added.
Dr Mahathir had also expressed his dissatisfaction that the statutory declaration written by former police chief inspector Azilah Hadri, who is facing the death penalty over the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, was not investigated despite him revealing that a politician had ordered a person to be killed.
He added that he was also worried that the police were being used by politicians to commit crime and illegal arrests.
"I am sad that there are policemen now who are involved in crimes. I hope the police are not disturbed by politicians to commit crimes.
"It is very important because the police are set up to protect the citizens but when the police are committing crimes, we are scared that the police may be asked to arrest people without charge," he said.
Earlier, Dr Mahathir arrived about 2.35pm along with his escorts, waving at the media from inside his car.
A team of three policemen arrived in a car just before 3pm.
Dr Mahathir had been in the spotlight after an interview with a Chennai-based Indian satellite television channel Thanthi TV, where he said Malaysian Indians and Chinese were not completely loyal to the country as they still want to identify themselves with their respective countries of origin.
His statement has been roundly criticised by many quarters. Several police reports have also been lodged against the former Langkawi MP over his comments.
