KUALA LUMPUR – Police do not act against individuals based on their politics, said Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador, brushing aside allegations that the force is being used as a tool by the government.
The inspector-general of police said anyone can make assumptions and insinuations to portray police as having been made an apparatus to support Putrajaya.
“I remain strict in my stance that I, in the implementation of any activity or action taken by my party, do not have any relation to politics,” he told a press conference this afternoon.
He was responding to claims by certain political parties that government agencies, including police, are being used as a political weapon to gain public support.
Police sometimes need to rope in individuals, who happen to be political leaders, over reports lodged against them, he said.
“We only ask them to come to the police station or Bukit Aman to have their statements recorded.
“(The leaders are asked to come) to a professional environment. I do not allow any threats or offers to them by the investigating officers while their statements are being taken.”
Several politicians, including opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, have been investigated for their comments on the emergency proclamation, after police reports were lodged against them.
Hamid said police even offered to record these politicians’ statements at a time of their convenience.
“This is to avoid some saying police are instilling fear in people. We give them space (to choose when to be questioned).”
Investigating officers are also flexible when it comes to making such arrangements when political leaders have appointments and events to attend, he said.
“I don’t allow any action from my party that involves political motives to help anyone or pressure anyone, no.
“Whoever is involved in politics, I advise them to be responsible. Petty matters should not be turned into political issues.” – The Vibes, March 11, 2021
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