Dangerous charade against Surendran: Is IGP playing the fool or are there ULTERIOR MOTIVES?

I refer to the offer to participate in a police 'shootout' made to Padang Serai MP N Surendran by IGP Tan Sri Khalid Bakar last month.

The shootout invite arose from Surendran's criticism of Home Minister Zahid Hamidi's call for a shoot to kill policy against criminals.

Bukit Aman had attached about 10 conditions to Surendran's participation, most of which we had agreed to.

However, police still insist that Surendran sign a document agreeing that PDRM 'will not be responsible for anything that may happen' to Surendran.

As a government department, it is unacceptable for PDRM to insist on such a demand. It is tantamount to asking for a 'blank cheque' to act recklessly or dangerously in relation to the safety of Surendran.

On the one hand, the IGP is inviting Surendran for a 'shootout'; on the other hand he is absolutely refusing to ensure his safety!

It is unprecedented for the police force to refuse to take responsibility for the safety of a civilian.

Since last month I have, as Surendran's legal adviser, exchanged a series of letters with Bukit Aman calling upon them to review the above condition.

However, as can be seen from the latest letter received by us on 19 November 2013 and signed by CID Chief Datuk Hadi Ho, they remain adamant that Surendran must agree to this irresponsible and dangerous condition.

It is now clear that the IGP has backtracked on his earlier offer to Surendran. The IGP had made the offer in a knee-jerk manner in response to Surendran's criticism of police' shoot to kill' policy.

It is clear that the IGP was never serious about the offer, and that the offer was made to intimidate and silence Surendran's legitimate criticism of the conduct of the police.

If the IGP is serious about the shootout offer, he would not impose such an absurd and unacceptable condition.

At all times Surendran has been ready and willing to participate in the police operation.

We call upon the IGP to stop this charade, and withdraw this unlawful and unethical condition.

Meanwhile, PM Najib Razak must take urgent action against Zahid Hamidi on his call for a shoot to kill policy against suspects.

SIVARASA RASIAH
MP SUBANG
MEMBER POLITICAL BUREAU, KEADILAN