IGP: 'Normal' for deposed party to weaken winner

Inspector-general of police Hamid Bador (above) said it was normal for deposed political parties to attempt to weaken the new ruling party.

"What I said was this normally happens when there is a change of government.

"I am not accusing anyone, but I said it is normal for things like this to happen - the deposed party will try to weaken the one who won.

"Simple as that. Don't twist it," said Hamid when met in Putrajaya today.

Hamid said this when asked to elaborate on his quotes published by the South China Morning Post today.

The SCMP article is on widening racial and religious divisions in Malaysia caused by the spread by social media, the controversy surrounding Zakir Naik and non-Malay objection to Jawi.

Hamid was cited saying: "The deposed party… would continue to destabilise and weaken the ruling party. Security-wise, (it is) of concern, but manageable".

The article also cited A Kadir Jasin (above), the prime minister's media adviser, stating that there was a need for the authorities to act decisively against people who misuse social media, including shutting down websites and arresting people for inflammatory posts.

Kadir had warned that the situation could take a "dangerous" turn if left unchecked and, like Hamid, blamed the opposition for exploiting racial and religious issues.

"Who are the people promoting divisive, racial and religious agenda for political (gains)? It is Umno and PAS," Kadir said. - Mkini