KUALA LUMPUR – The decision to transfer and promote 64 Royal Malaysia Police officers by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani is normal and has nothing to do with political manoeuvring as alleged by certain parties, said experts.
Top lawyer Datuk Sankara Nair told The Vibes that Malaysia’s highest-ranking policeman has the power to transfer and promote any officer for any appropriate position to strengthen the force.
“Speculation on the transfer and promotion of these officers as being politically motivated is unjustified,” said Sankara – a former officer who held the rank of assistant superintendent for nine years in the 1980s, before calling it quits.
Veteran activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye also shared Sankara’s view that there is nothing unusual or sinister about the transfer and promotion.
Based on the list, most of the police officers have actually been promoted instead of going through lateral transfers, he added.
“It is a usual practice by Bukit Aman to transfer and promote officers when a new IGP is appointed.
“Judging by the list of names, most of the officers involved were promoted. Every new IGP will know and decide whom to transfer and promote. As such, to release the names of the officers involved is normal,” said the Alliance for Safe Community chairman.
Social Care Foundation chairman Tan Sri Robert Phang said Acryl Sani will do what he believes is best for the police force under his leadership.
He explained that it is normal for new IGPs to reshuffle the force, so it may be more in line with what they believe is needed for national security.
“It is the prerogative of the new IGP to do so, as he knows what is best for the force and safety of the country.”
Malaysian Crime Watch chairman Datuk Seri Sanjeevan Ramakrishnan said he strongly believes that the announcement is in harmony with the Police Force Commission.
Like the other experts, he noted that the promotion of senior officers is well-deserved for their commitment and dedication towards the job.
He also observed that under the new IGP, the boys in blue seem to be heading towards the right path.
Sanjeevan criticised Acryl Sani’s predecessor, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, who he claimed was more “captivated with politics and fame”.
“There is less talk and more action from our current IGP as he is not a whiner. It is evident that he (Hamid) was an attention-seeker and enjoyed rattling things up for no reason,” he claimed, hinting at the cartel issue brought up by Hamid.
In an interview with Sinar Harian in March, Hamid revealed that there is a group of young police officers conspiring to boot him out due to their personal interests.
When contacted, three former IGPs – Tan Sri Musa Hassan, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Hamid – declined to comment. – The Vibes, August 8, 2021
