Cop probes: Zahid laments double standards, IGP rues 'slow-fast' brickbats

 

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi recalled how he was hauled to court even before police investigations were completed, which resulted in amendments being made.

However, he pointed out that his political rivals had defended it as being fair.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain rued how brickbats are hurled regardless of whether the authorities are slow or quick in wrapping up investigations.

Both of them were responding to Bersatu’s allegation that the police had “rushed” its investigations into Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, who was charged under the Sedition Act 1948 this morning.

‘Lopsided stand’

At a press conference this afternoon, Zahid said: “When it’s me, they (political rivals) said the government was fair.

“But when it happens to them… (they say) the government is unfair, double standards.

“When it hits them, (they say) ‘rushed’ but when I am the one who is hit, (they say) this was a comprehensive investigation,” he said, describing this as a “lopsided” stand.

Razarudin, on the other hand, denied that the investigation was rushed, pointing out that probes are normally completed within seven days.

IGP Razarudin Husain

“Within the seven-day timeframe, the investigation could be completed within four days.

“The AGC (Attorney-General’s Chambers) might then need one or two days to record statements and issue instructions to prosecute,” Berita Harian quoted him as telling reporters in Kuala Krai in Kelantan.

“If we are slow, people will say we are slow. When we are fast, they say we are hasty,” he added.

Muhyiddin was investigated over a speech he delivered in Kelantan during the Nenggiri by-election in which he commented on the appointment of the prime minister after the last general election in 2022.

His speech was deemed as insulting to the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, which the PN chairperson denied.

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin claimed that the sedition law, which was previously opposed by Pakatan Harapan, is now being used to intimidate PN leaders. - Mkini