PUTRAJAYA – Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin has denied any undue influence over the transfer of senior police officers.
He said that any shuffling of top cop posts was made in unison by the Police Force Commission, which he chairs.
“I have never interfered in police affairs. I apologise if there are those who said that I have interfered.
“I am the chairman of the commission, if there is a decision that has been issued, it is the decision of (the whole) commission. Sometimes, though, there are people who (misconstrue) a decision the other way around,” he said after attending a ministry programme here yesterday.
Hamzah said this when asked to comment on the issue of his alleged interference in the transfer exercise involving senior police officers.
“What is most important is that the decision should be seen as a decision by the commission. It is true that I am the home minister but I am also the chairman of the commission.
“Hence, it is the decision of the majority, and I always follow the decision of the majority. Instead of me making my own decision, I think it is good for all parties to understand that the commission is (beyond reproach) because its members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
Hamzah also said that it was true that the letter of appointment of the inspector-general of police (IGP) was also from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
He added that at the same time, the commission should be placed above the IGP because all decisions relating to the police force are made by the commission as opposed to just one individual.
Meanwhile, when asked about his meeting with current IGP Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, Hamzah declined to comment.
On Saturday, it was reported that Hamid would have a meeting with Hamzah in the near future to resume the implementation of the transfer exercise of senior police officers which has been delayed. – Bernama, April 13, 2021
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