Damage to nation if ministers meddle in police work, says Musa Hassan

Musa (right) previously accused government ministers of breaking the police force’s chain of command. — File pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 ― Malaysia will be “damaged” if ministers interfere with police operations directly as is allegedly happening now, former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said today.

The retired IGP who had been under attack for speaking out against meddlesome members of the government’s executive arm whom he accused of bypassing police top brass and giving orders to the rank-and-file, warned again that such direct interference will doom the country.

“I say this not because I enjoy whacking people... no... but to correct the situation. The situation right now is worsening, and I do not want people to not trust the police,” Musa told Sinar Harian Online today.

“Like Bersih, let only the IGP give orders. No need [for anyone else] to give orders. If the IGP’s action is wrong, let action be taken only on the IGP. Don’t give orders from the top again. The people at the bottom also have a headache on how to work,” the 60-year-old was reported saying.

He told the news portal that it was not wrong for the home minister to intervene in police administrative matters like promotion issues or discipline because the latter was also the chairman of the Police Commission.

But Musa said it was not right when the interference extended to operational issues, which is the solely the purview of the IGP.

“Last time it was not as frequent as now. Last time, I feel there was none. During the days of the previous home ministers we never were like this. But recently there have been.

“If the IGP is not brave, it happens, if the IGP is bold, then it will not happen. I feel most IGPs will never follow what the ministers order done if it is not right according to the law,” he told the Malay news portal.

The ex-IGP had last week dropped a bombshell that several ministers and politicians, including Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein had taken direct command of the police force.

The police veteran with 41 years’ experience denied he was muddying the government’s record out of ill-will or vengefulness, as alleged by some parties, because his contract was not renewed.

“I want to correct this matter, not because I bear ill will towards anyone... I am having fun being a pensioner. But I see if this thing is not corrected, our country will be damaged,” he was quoted saying.