Malaysia police launch probe into alleged plot to topple government

Malaysia's top police official said on Friday authorities were investigating an alleged conspiracy to "topple the government and sabotage national stability".

* The alleged plot involved a local influential figure aswell as an international media agency, Inspector-General ofPolice Mohd Khalid Ismail said in a statement. He did not namethe person or the media agency. * The investigation was being carried out under laws againstundermining parliamentary democracy, an offence that carries amaximum jail term of 20 years upon conviction, he said. * Police have not released details about the alleged plot. * Government spokesperson and Communications Minister FahmiFadzil told a regular press conference the issue was "a veryserious matter" but did not elaborate, adding "we will leave itto the police to conduct a full investigation." * The Attorney-General's Chambers in a statement called forthe probe to conducted comprehensively and professionallywithout interference.