What’s wrong with phone calls, IGP tells Sarawak Report

The IGP was responding to Sarawak Report's allegation that new anti-vice chief had received no less than 36 calls from a suspect in Melaka's protection racket case.

VIDEO INSIDE

KUALA LUMPUR: What is so suspicious about a phone call, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said today, in response to yet another “ridiculous” allegation by Sarawak Report (SR).

The allegation in question was posted on the whistleblower site earlier this week.

According to SR, DCP Saiful Azly Kamaruddin, who is the new chief of Bukit Aman’s Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gaming and Gangsterism (STAGG), had allegedly received “no less than 36 calls” from Gopinathan Krishnan.

Gopinathan, better known as Gopi, was one of the individuals arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in a protection racket crackdown in Melaka in May.

He was suspected of being a key “intermediary” in a massive police protection racket across gambling dens and prostitution houses in Melaka.

“What is so suspicious about a phone call? A phone call doesn’t mean (an individual) is committing an offence,” Khalid told a press conference in Bukit Aman’s police headquarters here today.

SR had alleged that the calls were made between the months of January and February this year, just before Saiful’s promotion.

It also claimed that in March and April, after Saiful had been promoted, the phone calls from Gopi continued with 17 calls during that period. Most of them just a few seconds long.

“I’m not going to respond to statements by Sarawak Report, who purposely raise ridiculous issues to create doubts among the public,” Khalid said.

He then cited his own personal experience, to show that a phone call can sometimes be just a phone call.

“A lot of people call me everyday to wish me good morning. So is that suspicious? You can check my phone.

“I receive hundreds of calls every morning from those who want to wish me well.”

Sarawak Report had, last month, also alleged that Gopi was in direct telephone contact with Khalid, his brother in-law, and his son.

The IGP had admitted that some of his family members knew Gopi, but said despite this connection, anyone who is found to be involved in illegal activities would still have to face the music.

The MACC however, had said that if the need arises, Khalid may be called in to have his statement recorded.

To this, Khalid said he has yet to receive the call, but if it comes, he would give his “full cooperation”. -FMT