Cool it! Top cop tells politicians not to raise 'temperature'

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador has urged politicians not to raise the political climate in the country.

Specifically, Abdul Hamid said, they should not stir racial and religious issues that can undermine the country's harmony and instead focus on amicable solutions.

"Political leaders should understand the dynamics of this multi-racial and multi-religious country better," he said during a media session in Bukit Aman today.

"Don't engage in activities that upset or provoke others. The temperature will go up.

"That is why I am asking them to be more responsible. If they can sit in Parliament and joke around, why is the tone different when they come out?" 

Abdul Hamid added that while some people may view that the police were silent on issues of race and religion, in actuality investigation papers have been opened.

He said the relevant parties will be called for questioning before the investigation papers are handed to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

He lamented that the playing of racial and religious issues takes a toll on police resources.

He said if such sensitives issues were not played up, police resources could be deployed to solve other crimes such as drug-related issues. - Mkini