KUALA LUMPUR – Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador is not holding back in his last days as inspector-general of police, calling on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate political party-hoppers.
In his final press conference at Bukit Aman yesterday, Hamid accused these “frogs” of making graft a common practice, and said MACC should not allow defections to go unchecked.
“I fight corruption in the force, but I see it everywhere in politics. It is like our country doesn’t have laws.”
Hamid’s last day is next Monday, with his deputy, Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, to take over the reins the next day.
Hamid trained his guns on ministers who suggested that roadblocks be reduced.
He said he admonished a cabinet member who raised the matter, adding that fewer roadblocks will lead to a rise in Covid-19 clusters.
There are so many ministers who are not smart. They told me to loosen roadblocks. If they are loosened again, the clusters will increase.”
Just three days ago, he announced that roadblock operations at toll plazas will be stepped up to prevent interstate travel, and police personnel nationwide will have their leave frozen.
“We will monitor movement similar to what was implemented during the movement control order (MCO) last year, even though there is no MCO directive issued this time around.
“Like last year, a total of 46,000 police personnel have been assigned, and another 12,000 are on standby. Over the past few days, the number of those who tested positive for Covid-19 has been high.
“It is not impossible that it will double if we are careless. Police personnel who are on standby during Hari Raya Aidilfitri will be mobilised, together with others on duty, if the situation gets out of control.
“If the situation becomes critical, the 12,000 police on standby will be deployed, in addition to the armed forces, People’s Volunteer Corps and Civil Defence Force if the situation requires.”
On road users’ criticism of roadblocks as causing traffic congestion, he said such comments are irresponsible.
“Let there be no more criticism against me and police over traffic congestion. Police have been criticised as deliberately causing congestion. I am sad that the matter was raised in our meeting.
“Why did police set up roadblocks in Putrajaya? What has Putrajaya got to do with the roadblocks mounted there?”
He said the public should understand that roadblocks are mounted based on the instructions of the National Security Council as a way to prevent the spread of Covid-19. – The Vibes, May 1, 2021
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