Hishammuddin: Hanif stays as panel chief, period

The government will not bow to pressure over calls to change former inspector-general of police (IGP) Hanif Omar as head of the government’s independent panel to investigate violence during the Bersih 3.0 rally, said the home minister.

Hishammuddin Hussein was quoted today in Umno-linked dailyUtusan Malaysia saying that the government cannot satisfy everyone, particularly politicians who had their own personal agenda in determining who should be part of the panel.

He added that the public should give a chance to the six-member panel to carry out its duties without any prejudice.

"The creation of this panel among members of the media, corporate leaders, pyschology experts, retired judges and the former inspector-general of police should be seen as a clear manifestation by the government to uncover the truth behind Bersih 3.0.

"(The panel’s findings) will not be based on the decision of one individual, but the decision will involve the entire panel," he was quoted as saying.

Critics have slammed the panel even before its members have been formally appointed, saying Hanif (above) had already demonstrated himself as biassed against Bersih.

The former IGP had made several anti-Bersih comments prior to the forming of the panel, including backing claims that the coalition for electoral reform intends to topple the government and that it had been infiltrated by communists sympathisers.

Other members of the panel are Borneo former chief judge Steve Shim, news daily Sinar Harian’s managing editor Hussamuddin Yaacub, Media Chinese International Ltd (Sinchew group) legal adviser Liew Peng Chuan, Petronas corporate affairs senior general manager Medan Abdullah and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia psychology professor Ruszmi Ismail.