Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar should order a police report be lodged against his superior, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, over a letter of support for a gambling kingpin sent to the FBI, says an opposition lawmaker today. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, January 20, 2015.
DAP today challenged Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to order a police report be lodged against his superior, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, over a letter of support to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo said Khalid should not be afraid of Zahid and focus the investigation on the minister's claim that alleged gambling kingpin Paul Phua had assisted Malaysia on issues pertaining to national security.
"According to Zahid, the projects which Phua had allegedly assisted Malaysia are (considered) official secrets," Gobind said.
"If that be the case, Zahid's letter exposing details, such as Phua's identity and the fact that he was instrumental in helping Malaysia on national security projects may itself be an offence under the Official Secrets Act 1972."
He said the situation became worse when Zahid failed to consult either the police or the Attorney-General prior to writing the said letter to the FBI.
Former IGPs Tun Haniff Omar and Tan Sri Rahim Noor had both openly expressed concern over Zahid writing the letter to the FBI.
Gobind said in such situation, Khalid could not afford to remain silent as he had previously been quick to call for investigations against others.
One example was when Khalid used Twitter, calling for human rights lawyer Eric Paulsen to be probed into under the Sedition Act 1948.
"(As such) Khalid should show equal vigour in this matter as well," Gobind said.
He said Section 8 of the OSA referred to persons who have in their possession or control any official secret and how it would be an offence if these persons wrongly communicated such official secrets with others.
"There is also express mention of the use of any such official secret for the benefit of any foreign country other than any foreign country for whose benefit he is duly authorised to use it, or in any other manner prejudicial to the safety or interests of Malaysia.”
He said it would appear that the OSA was wide enough to cover Zahid’s case.
Second, Gobind said the police probe into Zahid should also focus on whether there was indeed any big mistake made by the police in respect of Phua's alleged association with the 14K triad as claimed by Zahid.
"I am of the view that it is Khalid's duty as IGP to have this matter probed into as it involves the credibility of his men.
"Whether or not any offence has been committed by anyone is yet to be determined but I am of the considered view that it is necessary in the public interest, that an investigation be commenced forthwith."
Zahid has been embroiled in controversy ever since the South China Morning Post reported about his letter which was sent to the FBI.
Phua was arrested in Las Vegas last year for alleged illegal betting during the World Cup held in Brazil.
- TMI
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