Stop manipulating the police, Zahid told

The police should not be wasting their time in arresting people who gather in peaceful assemblies, says PKR's R Sivarasa.

PETALING JAYA: PKR’s R Sivarasa today urged for Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to stop manipulating the police.

Speaking to reporters after he was called in for questioning at the Tropicana police station with regard to his involvement in a candle light vigi at the Jinjang police detention centre, he said that Zahid must be held responsible for the unnecessary time wasting.

“The police should not be wasting their time in dragging politicians and activists to the police station,” he said.

He explained that the vigil held on May 22 for student activist Adam Adli was peaceful, therefore there was no need for him to be called up for questioning.

The Subang MP added that he was also there because his personal assistant, Peter Chong, was among the 18 people arrested.

The 18 protesters had gathered outside the police station to demand the release of Adam who was arrested for statements made during a May 13 forum.

“I do not blame the police for calling me up for questioning, because they are just doing their job.

“However, because of following orders from the top, they have wasted their time. Therefore I hold the Home Minister [Zahid] responsible for this.

“I’m sure the police, too, do not want to waste their time in arresting people who are only gathering in peaceful assemblies,” he said.

When reminded that Zahid had stated his uninvolvement in police affairs, he said: “He can deny his involvement, but no one is going to believe it”.

He reiterated that the police should be allowed to do what they are supposed to do, which is to control the crime rate.

“Instead of wasting their time in arresting people who gather in peaceful assemblies, the police should focus their time in fighting crime, for example, in cases of snatch thefts, burglaries and robberies,” he said.

On the police questioning, he said: “I was given the notice to come for questioning by ASP Hamka Mohd last Friday.

“I was asked questions on my attendance in front of the Jinjang police station.

“Although the police knew what I was doing there, I don’t understand why they still asked me to come for questioning and asked me questions which they already know the answers to,” he said.

Sivarasa added that he was not told whether he will be charged or not.

Since the vigil, Adam has been charged with sedition for allegedly calling for the toppling of the Barisan Nasional government. Yesterday, five other Pakatan politicians and activists were also charged with sedition over the same matter.