KUALA LUMPUR – Annoyed by some of the questions posed to him, a retired high-ranking Special Branch (SB) officer called in as a witness in the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) public inquiry into missing Pastor Joshua Hilmy threatened to leave the hearing today.
Datuk Awaludin Jadid, who is former principal assistant director of SB’s Social Extremism Division, started to raise his voice when being questioned over a speech he made in November 2016.
In his speech at a Youth Against Extremism programme, Awaludin spoke about the danger of Christianisation and proselytising, and how the matter must be addressed.
Today, he clarified that his speech was meant to educate and create awareness about the existence of such practices, and not to flare up the situation.
The Bar Council’s Lim Heng Seng asked Awaludin at what point in his speech did he educate or offer advice on the matter, pointing out that large parts of his speech focused on how the issue should be dealt with.
Awaludin sharply said he provided clarification on the matter during the 2018 Suhakam inquiry into the disappearance of activist Amri Che Mat.
“Why are you referring to the same thing, an old story? I have already given my answer, so just refer to the transcript of the proceedings in 2018.
“You keep on asking the same thing. It is unfair to call me out of retirement and keep on circling around the same questions. I feel like walking out of this room, but I respect the law and the proceedings.”
Suhakam commissioner Datuk Seri Hishamudin Yunus, who is panel chairman, reminded the witness to remain calm as he represents police’s image.
During the Amri inquiry, Awaludin said he might have dramatised several aspects of his speech due to getting carried away, and the fact that the speech was given off the cuff.
He interjected Lim several times during questioning today, leading to panellist Jerald Joseph issuing a rebuke.
“When the counsel is speaking, you need to remain quiet. You will have your moment to speak. You might not be used to being the one being questioned, but we are all assisting to find out the truth.
“You are here to assist. Enough of you interrupting, and please listen to the counsel.”
Asked about the arrest of Joshua Jamaluddin and Hilmy Nor – both of whom converted to Christianity – in 1987 under the Internal Security Act 1960, Awaludin said it was done in the interest of national security, and the action was justified.
This is despite the former cop acknowledging that the duo posed no direct threat to security, and that the threat actually came from the public’s reaction.
Asked why the pair were arrested instead of those who caused the unrest, Awaludin said it would contain the public outrage then.
“The arrests happened under Op Lalang.
“When there is the issue of proselytisation, the government says we have to neutralise the problem. This is not to punish them, but to rehabilitate them. It’s also for their own safety.” – The Vibes, January 6, 2021
