KUALA LUMPUR – The national graftbusters will not be investigating allegations of political meddling in the Police Force Commission, reported The Star.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Datuk Seri Azam Baki said it is an internal police matter.
“I feel this is an internal police problem. Let the police settle it themselves, I don't wish to comment,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Azam said there is no legislation against party-hopping and anyone is free to switch political parties.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin last Friday admitted that it was him in a recently leaked audio recording of a discussion on the appointment of senior police officers.
“That is my voice. I didn’t do anything illegal. What did I do wrong? The wrongdoing was recording my conversation with someone. That is illegal. What I did was not wrong,” he told a press conference after announcing IGP Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador’s successor.
He said the clip was not new, and the discussion took place about a year ago.
Hamzah said it is his duty under the federal constitution, as Police Force Commission chairman, to oversee the appointment of high-ranking officers, including the IGP.
Later the same day, Hamid slammed the minister.
“This is what should be avoided. A minister cannot interfere with the management of daily tasks.
“I have already raised this with him (Hamzah). I already raised it with the chief secretary to the government. We have our bosses, we raised it to them, but he still wants the power (to interfere). This is not good for the country,” he was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today.
“I want to clarify that the (home minister’s) responsibility as chairman of the Police Force Commission has a limit.”
He also said Hamzah pushed to determine police officers’ placement.
Hamid added that many investigations into police misconduct carried out by the commission chaired by Hamzah have been suspended, and it meets only four times a year.
On April 13, Hamzah reportedly denied having undue influence over the transfer of senior police officers.
Earlier this month, a viral Facebook post stated the involvement of the home minister in the affairs of police regarding the postponed transfer of senior cops.
“I will meet the minister to explain my position and action in issuing the transfer order,” said Hamid.
“I should be the one to handle the matter as the IGP, as the law states that the command, control and regulation of (the police force) is my responsibility.”
He said he issued the transfer order for “the good of all”.
“There was nothing extraordinary about it, except that I was on leave at the last minute. And at the last minute, there was a directive to postpone it. I will meet him and explain why it has to go on.” – The Vibes, May 5, 2021
