KUALA LUMPUR - Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar slammed The New Paper of Singapore for what he claims was a sensational report on crime in Malaysia.
However, the last laugh may be on him. Just today, a 36-year-old man in Cheras Perdana was shot to death by two gunmen who fled on a motorbike.
But despite failing to halt the spate of gangland-type killings, Khalid found time to fire salvos at the Singapore paper.
"It is a malicious statement. It is better they look after their own backyard than try to be a busy body," he told reporters.
The New Paper, in its July 31 publication, had released an article with the title 'Welcome to Malaysia where ... Death is Cheap and Staying Alive Costly' which also stated it took only $2,000 (RM5,000) to hire a hit-man.
Tourism will be hit
According to national news agency Bernama, the article received negative feedback from various quarters who described it as unethical and urged the newspaper to apologise for insulting Malaysia.
Yet Tourism Minister Nazri has acknowledged the gravity of situation and warned that it could affect the tourism industry.
"The shootings just occurred and the repercussions may take a little time. I am concerned that if this situation is prolonged it may have a negative impact on our tourism industry," Bernama reported Nazri as saying.
"If we ourselves are fearful, you cannot blame them. I feel it's a fair report. It's not something against us, as Singapore also sells tour packages to Johor such as Legoland and Hello Kitty. This is something that affects them as well."
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