Police's speedy clearance to 'bully' Nadem raises eyebrows

The police has been taken to task for the speedy clearance it issued to the son of de-facto Law minister Nazri Aziz allegedly involved in an assault case which resulted in a security guard at a high-end condominium sustaining injuries.

Referring to a statement by Brickfields OCPD Wan Abdul Bari clearing Mohamad Nedim Nazri Aziz of any involvement in the assault which took place at a high-end condominium in Mont Kiara last week, PKR vice president N Surendran said it raised suspicions.

"Are the police trying to protect Umno and the government's reputation? The public is entitled to a thorough and impartial investigation into this incident," Surendran said, referring to a report which has been attracting intense interest among Malaysian netizens judging by comments on various news portals and blogs.

Nedim, driving his Porsche into the condominium, was said to have refused to alight from his car to register at the guard house. Upon being told that Nedim should also register, despite his accompanying bodyguard's claim that Nedim was a "royalty", both Nedim and the bodyguard allegedly grabbed the security guard before delivering a punch on his face.

News portal Malaysiakini earlier said that CCTV cameras had recorded the incident.

Surendran said the clearance by the police contradicted earlier reports that Nedim had personally assaulted the security guard.

"What do the CCTV tapes reveal? In their rush to clear the senior UMNO Minister's son of wrongdoing, the police have only raised more suspicions and doubts as to what really transpired on the night of March 20," he added.

Earlier this year, Nazri drew fire from Pakatan Rakyat leaders when he spoke out against a proposal by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission for cabinet ministers and families to declare their assets to the Commission, saying the move could pose danger to the safety of the cabinet's family members.

Nazri's angry reaction to MAAC's suggestion has now been widely linked to the Porsche driven by his son.

Surendran said Nazri must be ordered to make a full declaration of his wealth.

"[Nazri] must also break his silence on the source of funds for the purchase of the Porsche and luxury MPV used by his son during the incident," he stressed.

Surendran said the latest case seems to abide by a "standard practice" of the police rushing to the defence of BN leaders or their relatives suspected of crimes.

He recalled how deputy inspector general of police Khalid Abu Bakar had late last year cleared the National Feedlot Corporation of wrongdoing even before investigations were completed.

"Eventually, due to public pressure, the husband of cabinet minister Sharizat was charged for CBT over the NFC fiasco. This pro-BN conduct of the police leadership has resulted in massive public loss of confidence in the police force," said Surendran, who also urged the Attorney General to step in and direct the police to carry out further investigations into the allegations involving Nadem.

-Harakahdaily