Outgoing IGP's claim warrants RCI, says Puad

 

Putrajaya has been urged to establish a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) based on allegations by outgoing Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Abdul Hamid Bador against Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin.

Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi (above) said this was needed as the police service is a critical enforcement agency and should be led by professionals with integrity.

"Only then will justice and safety be guaranteed," he said in a statement today. 

Abdul Hamid had accused Hamzah of interfering with the appointment of top police brass. As the home minister, Hamzah chairs the police force commission, which recommends appointments to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The IGP said that the commission was tainted by "political elements" and politicians should not chair the commission.

The Federal Constitution explicitly stated that the chair of the commission must be the minister in charge of the police.

Abdul Hamid will be replaced by his deputy Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani on May 4. Acryl received his appointment letter from Hamzah yesterday.

Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki

Meanwhile, Umno Youth chief Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said Abdul Hamid's allegation that there was corruption among lawmakers who defected should be probed by the MACC.

"This is very serious because the allegation was made by an IGP, which in turn confirms the public perception that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government is involved in the buying and selling of politicians to stay in power at a time when people are struggling to survive," he said in a statement today.

However, Asyraf said Abdul Hamid made these allegations a little too late, because the defections began when Pakatan Harapan was in power.

"Many were threatened and pressured with court cases, tax bills and some were induced to join Bersatu to strengthen the Harapan government.

"This practice continued with the PN government. Many were let off the hook to make the 'scheme of things' a reality," he added. 

Nevertheless, Asyraf said the MACC should still look into the allegations without fear or favour in order to save the country from political corruption. - Mkini