THE Government should establish a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to probe Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Hamid Bador’s claims that the Home Minister in interfering in police affairs.
“Hamid accused Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin of interfering in promotions and transfer of officers with disciplinary issues.
“He also alleged that politicians who defect to other parties are marred with corruption. Therefore, an RCI is needed to probe the allegations,” said Umno supreme council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi in a Facebook post.
Yesterday, in a no-holds-barred press conference, Hamid criticised Hamzah for allegedly interfering in police matters unnecessary and blamed him for creating factions within the force.
“Hamzah, in his capacity as Police Force Commission (PFC) president, keeps meddling in the transfer of officers.
“A minister should not interrupt the police’s daily affairs. They can give directions or mandate on issues, not decide who becomes deputy director or the next IGP,” he said.
Hamid said that he had brought the matter to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin but no action was taken.
Touching on the matter, Puad said that an RCI is need as the police force is an important institution of the nation, which needs be managed by professionals and those with integrity.
“But with Hamid alleging Hamzah of politicising the force, the latter’s image is being tarnished. Plus, the minister himself has admitted that it was him featured in the audio clip talking about transfer of police officers.
“So, please establish the RCI and reconvene the Parliament so that we can address the matter,” the former deputy minister remarked. – May 1, 2021
