Anwar's aide wants cops to expedite 3R probes, moots 10 SOPs

 

PKR central leadership member Manivanan Gowin has urged the police to expedite action against those who commit crimes related to race, religion and royalty (3R).

The PKR president’s office political aide, who stated that the police do not have to wait for a report to be lodged before launching an investigation, mooted 10 standard operating procedures (SOP) which can be adopted.

This included establishing a “3R Criminal Investigation Department” to focus on these cases.

"In line with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's commitment, I propose that the Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain and the force establish SOPs to investigate 3R-related issues," he said in a statement today.

The SOPs Manivanan (above) proposed are:

• Police provide a list of offences related to 3R that warrant action.

• Police act based on first-hand or initial information to quickly initiate investigations.

• Open investigation papers immediately upon receiving initial information.

• Police proceed with the probe even without an official report or police report.

• Complete investigations within seven days after the 3R statement is made.

• Issue an initial media statement within three days after the 3R statement is made.

• Provide a follow-up media statement after completing the investigation within seven days.

• Refer investigation papers to the Attorney-General’s Chambers within 10 days of a 3R statement being made.

• If strong evidence is found, refer the case to court within 14 days after the 3R statement is made.

Manivanan, who said that his proposal was meant to assist the police and expedite investigation, added that it is high time for the force to make these changes.

"I'm confident this proposal can be implemented without conflicting with existing laws such as the Police Act 1967 and the Criminal Procedure Code."

He cautioned that if left unchecked, 3R issues can jeopardise the multiracial foundation of Malaysia and public order.

Home Minister Saifudin Nasution Ismail

Previously, Home Minister Saifudin Nasution Ismail defended the police's "no report, no action" statement in response to calls for a probe against Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh for allegedly inciting racial remarks while wielding a "katana" (Japanese sword) in a picture uploaded on the latter's Facebook.

Prior to the minister's statement, the police chief said an investigation cannot be initiated in the absence of a report.

His remark courted flak from several quarters, with Lawyers for Liberty claiming it reeked of selective prosecution. - Mkini