(The Star) - PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution, who accused Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Omar of being an Umno member, is being investigated by police over his allegation.

Saifuddin was summoned to the police district headquarters here to record his statement, Putrajaya OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Razak Majid confirmed.

Wan Ahmad had lodged a police report over Saifuddin’s allegations which were published in a Bahasa Malaysia daily.

Saifuddin, who is Machang MP, is believed to be investigated for criminal defamation under Section 500 of the Penal Code.

“The accusation he made, which turned out to be false, has put me and the EC in an embarrassing situation.

“His remark is tantamount to discrediting not only me but also the EC.

“So I want the case to be looked at from a criminal defamation perspective instead of a normal libel suit,” said Wan Ahmad.

In May, Saifuddin accused Wan Ahmad of being a member of the Kubang Bunggor Umno branch in Pasir Mas, Kelantan.

His remark was subsequently picked up by various mass media and not long after that another person named Wan Ahmad told the press that Saifuddin had confused him with the EC deputy head.

The Kubang Bunggor Umno branch member turned out to be a 63-year-old trader.

The EC deputy chief said the allegation was an attempt to tarnish the credibility of the EC.

“I had the choice between initiating a libel suit or letting the police investigate the matter. I chose the latter.

“I want the police to uncover the truth and will let them bring the matter to the public prosecutor,” said Wan Ahmad.

Saifuddin was not available for comment.