Just let IGP Khalid do his job

Ex-IGP Musa should hold his peace and let IGP Khalid make his own decisions.

By Syed Abu Bakar Shah Sahib

If we could live in a black and white world where there are only two choices for every decision we have to make, life would be so much easier. But life is full of complexities and fraught with tough decisions to make, especially if it is about religion and law.

In the Ipoh High Court last year, Judicial Commissioner Lee Swee Seng made a decision in a judicial review that sent ripples to many parts of the country and beyond. He quashed the conversion of three siblings with the ruling that any conversion of children must have the consent of both parents.

Following that judgement, Muslim convert Muhammad Riduan Abdullah‎ abducted his daughter Prasana Diksa from his former wife, M Indira Gandhi.

Last week, the Ipoh High Court issued a mandamus order for IGP Khalid Abu Bakar to arrest Muhammad Riduan for the abduction and ruled that the IGP could be charged with contempt of court if he failed to comply. The Attorney-General’s Chambers announced it will be filing an appeal against that order.

In a statement that shocked many Malaysians, former IGP Musa Hassan said he would have acted on the civil court’s warrant to arrest a Muslim father ‎who had defied a court order to hand over his daughter to his Hindu ex-wife.

I have the greatest respect for the police force and authorities who maintain law and order, including the IGP, present and former. However, in this case, I feel compelled to share my thoughts.

While it is true that the Internet has broadened democratic space, many are unaware of how this development has created a subtle spirit of rebellion against the status quo. Gone are the days when respect was the maxim that ruled young and old both near and far. Today, we see non-professionals and even retired public officials having no qualms about speaking their minds even on matters that are beyond their jurisdictions.

I have read the learned Lee Swee Seng’s 79-page judgement and salute him for his vigorous research and detailed work. Along the way, I learnt a lot, not just about the case but also the importance of delving into an issue at length and in depth before voicing our views.

I must say former IGP Musa seems to have overstepped the boundaries of professional etiquette with his remark. The truth is that his days as the top cop in Malaysia are over. He left the force four years ago. A lot has happened since. We have become a more divided society, with citizens ever ready to criticise anyone at anytime and under any circumstance.

It is most disheartening that a former top police officer in the country has no qualms about criticising the current IGP. Is this the price Malaysians are paying for an unfettered Internet?

There is a time and place for everything. Surely, Musa would be well aware of police conventions and protocols concerning legal and police matters. I am sure Khalid’s perceived inertia is not the result of fear but of caution and apprehension with regard to the claims of various sides and implications of the arrest.

It is Khalid’s responsibility to consider the best option between the High Court order and that of the Syariah Court. Not an easy decision, for sure. However, I am sure that as the top cop in this country, he has been nationally recognised to be the best man for the job. So let it go, Tan Sri Musa. Just let Khalid do his job.

I hope they will close ranks and seek quiet and private moments wherein they can exchange views and impart nuggets of wisdom to each other instead of engaging in a public exchange on what one thinks the other should or should not do.

The deadline is not even up, and yet Musa is already assuming that Khalid will not comply with the court directive. I believe it is best to leave the authorities concerned to do what they have to do at their own pace.

At a time when this country is facing many political issues in various states, especially in Selangor, it would do us a lot of good if we spoke less, prayed more and hoped for the best rather than assume that those who walk the corridors of power are unfit to rule.

In the meantime, let us respect decisions and religions in this country instead of jumping at any opportunity to politicise issues. To remain united, let us just hold our peace and learn to let go of our selfish—or noble—ambition. May the Almighty guide and bless our leaders.

Syed Abu Bakar Shah Sahib is an FMT reader