Barring cops from party events against the law, IGP tells Warisan

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador today cautioned Warisan that barring Special Branch personnel from the party's press conferences in Sabah is against the law.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya, Hamid said that any party preventing police officers from carrying out their duties will be in violation of Section 186 of the Penal Code.

Section 186 criminalises the voluntary obstruction of public servants in the discharge of their functions, and is punishable by up to two years' jail, an RM10,000 fine, or both.

Hamid was responding to Warisan vice-president Junz Wong, who said that his party has decided to bar SB personnel from sitting in on its press conferences.

According to the IGP, the presence of police in any public event is to ensure the event is conducted in an orderly manner, as well as to ensure public safety.

"Why is there so much concern if an SB (officer) or a uniformed police officer is (present)?" he asked.

Hamid also reiterated that police presence is not necessary for private events held by any party.

[More to follow] - Mkini