Patriot wants EAIC removed from Home Ministry purview

Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan (Patriot) has called for the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission’s (EAIC) to be made independent after the latter said it failed to find an alleged “cartel” within the police force.

Last week, the EAIC concluded that the existence of such a cartel could not be confirmed.

They also said former inspector general of police Abdul Hamid Bador had failed to adduce evidence to support his claims and had thus “lost his right” to comment on the issue.

Hamid had revealed the existence of such a cartel in March 2021 ahead of his retirement.

In a statement last night, Patriot deputy president Zulkifli Mohamed questioned the EAIC’s findings.

“We find it incredibly hard to believe the recent statement made by EAIC declaring that there was no evidence of a ‘cop cartel’ existing in the police force.

“The image and reputation of the police force are made most vulnerable and since the matter at hand is of growing public interest, Patriot demands transparency, accountability and nothing less than the truth,” he said.

Zulkifli, a retired deputy commissioner of police, thus urged for the commission to be removed from the Home Ministry’s jurisdiction and be made “totally independent”.

“Perhaps the smart and right approach is first to ensure that the commission is deemed as totally independent and made answerable to a parliamentary committee.

“It cannot be under the dictates of any politician who serves as a presiding minister of the police force.

“This could be the way forward in restoring the dignity of the long-suffering image of the force, motivating those loyal and dedicated officers and personnel who are still serving and instilling the sense of pride to those who are already retired,” he proposed.

Last year, Hamid claimed that a group of younger police officers were conspiring to unseat him and dominate the force for their personal interest.

Home Ministry intervened

Three days before he retired as the IGP, he revealed more startling allegations including how Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin had intervened in how the police force was run.

Hamid further claimed that Hamzah attempted to install officers aligned to the latter to key positions in the force.

In response, the government enlisted the EAIC to probe these allegations. The police vowed not to intervene.

Hamzah’s ministry had dismissed the claims even before the commission announced its findings.

Since the EAIC announced its findings, Hamid has stood by his allegations. - Mkini