Should former prime ministers be convicted for a crime, their police escort privileges will remain until they have exhausted the appeal process.
This was confirmed by Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
“For any former prime ministers who are facing legal action, the police will maintain their eligibility for security escort and traffic escort services until the courts finalise their appeal process,” he said in a statement today.
The only former prime minister so far to be convicted and sentenced for a crime is Najib Abdul Razak.
Responding to “several parties” who had questioned why former premiers enjoyed such privileges, Acryl said there was a legal basis for the practice.
“The police provide both these escort (services) based on provisions under the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980 with regard to privileges for former prime ministers.
“As of now, the police provide the service to all former prime ministers,” he added.
Section 21 of the Act states that former prime ministers are entitled to allowances and privileges as determined by the cabinet.
Back in 2016, the police revoked outrider privileges accorded to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad after he participated in several rallies critical of the then Najib BN administration.
The police later recalled some of the fourth prime minister’s government-assigned bodyguards as well.
After Pakatan Harapan won the 14th general election with Mahathir back at the helm, Najib’s police outrider privileges were restricted.
The sixth prime minister could only request outriders for official business but not for “personal or political reasons”.
Najib’s security personnel were also recalled. - Mkini
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