IGP: It's disappointing that Suhakam is 'punishing' the police

The police will give its full cooperation in the investigation on its alleged involvement in the enforced disappearance of pastor Raymond Koh and social activist Amri Che Mat.

Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun today said the police would abide by the instruction given by national leaders to investigate the case.

He said police would also consider measures to be taken as claimed by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

“I do not want to comment on the issue as it is not the first time they (Suhakam) gave information on the case.

“As such, Suhakam should not announce the public inquiry report to the people and it should be handed to police, Home Ministry as well as other relevant authorities,” he said when launching the RPM Camaraderia Cup rugby match at General Operations Force 4th Batallion Camp near Kajang.

He was commenting on Suhakam’s allegations which blamed the Special Branch for the enforced disappearance of Koh and Amri.

Fuzi said Suhakam’s public announcement on its inquiry report disappointed the police.

“It is really disappointing as their action seemed like punishing the police when no action had been taken on the issue,” he said and added that the police will take the appropriate action on the case soon.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government would be opening new investigations following Suhakam‘s report which concluded that Bukit Aman Special Branch was involved in the disappearance of Koh and Amri in 2016 and 2017.

According to the premier, the government will wait until the appointment of the new Inspector-General of Police has been finalised, considering the conclusion made allegation against Fuzi.

On Wednesday, Suhakam issued a report following 18 months of inquiry on several missing persons and the report concluded that police Special Branch was involved in the enforced disappearance of Koh and Amri.

On Thursday, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the government was prepared to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe the disappearance of Koh and Amri.

Fuzi who is scheduled to retire as Inspector-General of Police next month was the director of Bukit Aman Special Branch when the disappearances occured.

The inquiry proceeding was chaired by Suhakam Commissioner Mah Weng Kwai, a former Court of Appeal judge. 

- Bernama