IGP: Lawyers biased in ‘swift’ condemnation of the police

Ismail categorised the Bar’s resolution as sudden and unfair to the police. — File pic

PUTRAJAYA, May 14 — Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Ismail Omar has urged the Malaysian Bar to be more transparent on how it arrived at its conclusion of the Bersih 3.0 rally held in the capital on April 28.

He said the resolution passed by the Malaysian Bar in an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on Friday was prejudiced and had punished the police force.

“I like to know the reference used because the decision (judgement) was swift. I couldn’t make a decision and said we will investigate.

“Suddenly, the [Bar] makes a decision. I think you can judge for yourself,” he told reporters after visiting Putrajaya Hospital to mark 205th Police Day celebration today.

Ismail also said that the Bar did not inform the police before making the resolution.

The resolution also condemned the police for using water cannons and tear gas and not giving rally participants enough time to disperse in an orderly manner.

On the use of water cannons and tear gas, the IGP said it was based on the law, standard operating procedure (SOP) and the Public Manual of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

However, police would study the issue raised by United Nations (UN) and make changes to procedures used, if necessary, and accept proposals from any party on the best way to disperse rallies.

Ismail welcomed the appointment of former IGP Tun Hanif Omar as chairman of the Independent Advisory Panel to probe the violent rally and pledged to offer his full co-operation.

He also dismissed the notion that Hanif’s presence would make the panel biased and was confident that the investigation would be conducted professionally.

On those wanted for rioting, he said three individuals had surrendered to police over the weekend. He then asked others to surrender before the deadline ends tomorrow.

Ismail also said many police personnel are suffering from diabetes and heart diseases and urged them to adopt a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle.

“Although it is not serious, I want to encourage them to live healthy so that we are seen as a vibrant agency to increase public confidence,” he added. — Bernama