Like Zahid, shoot first? Kit Siang says Prime Minister and top cop must make a stand

Lim Kit Siang (pic) has demanded that the Prime Minister and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) break their silence and state their stand on Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s "shoot first" remark.

The DAP adviser said they have to say whether they support Ahmad Zahid’s approach in dealing with criminals.

“It is not only the prime minister who should speak up whether his government condones the 'shoot first’ policy, but the Cabinet should also make a stand on the issue," Lim said in a statement today.

“In fact, the Barisan Nasional Supreme Council should hold an emergency meeting to declare its stand on Zahid’s statement.”

Lim also noted that Ahmad Zahid had supported IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Khalid’s excuse that 44 missing firearms, as reported in the 2012 Auditor General’s Report, could have “fallen into the sea”.

“So is Khalid going to give similar backing to the home minister that police are now operating on a policy of ‘shoot first’ when dealing with suspected criminals?” he said.

Lim said Malaysians are entitled to know the position police have taken on this issue.

The DAP adviser also pointed out that the Royal Commission of Inquiry on the police established by former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2005 had submitted 125 recommendations with the aim of creating an efficient, accountable, trustworthy, incorruptible, professional and world class police force.

“This would have helped reduce crime, eradicate corruption and uphold human rights,” he said.

“But it is a sad commentary of the present state of affairs that all the three core functions highlighted by the royal commission eight years ago had not been achieved.”