KUALA LUMPUR – Police investigations into allegations of a cartel in the force caused a commotion in Parliament today as MPs questioned the integrity of the findings.
During his Budget 2022 winding-up speech, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (Larut-Bersatu) spoke on allegations made by former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador in March concerning the existence of a cartel within the police force.
He explained that an internal investigation was conducted by the police force and no cartels were found.
Hamzah then mentioned that the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) is conducting another investigation over the matter, and is awaiting its outcome.
His explanation did not sit well with other parliamentarians, including Charles Santiago (Klang-PH) who pointed out that the allegations came from a reliable source, the former police chief.
Given that police investigations revealed no cartels, Charles queried if Hamid had indeed lied when making the revelations.
Meanwhile, Sivarasa Rasiah (Sg Buloh-PH), asked whether in the course of investigations Hamid himself was questioned.
In his reply, Hamzah made it clear that he did not imply that Hamid had lied, merely that police investigations revealed no evidence to support the latter’s allegations.
“So now the investigations are in the hands of EAIC. If they also find nothing that means the inspector-general was lying.
“If EAIC does indeed find something, we will take action.”
As for whether Hamid was questioned by police, Hamzah avoided answering directly, merely saying all those involved have given statements.
This, however, prompted an uproar from the opposition as Ramkarpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor-PH) accused Hamzah of avoiding the question.
“Yes or no, was there a statement taken (from Hamid)? You are not answering the question, so how can I accept your answer?” Ramkarpal exclaimed.
Hamzah, irritated by Ramkarpal’s interruption, pointed out he was not in a courtroom, and the DAP lawmaker should not ask those types of questions.
“This is not a court case, you can’t ask me that kind of question. If you want to accept my answer, you accept. Sit down,” Hamzah retorted.
In March this year, Hamid said that there was a cartel within the police force comprising young officers intending to topple him.
He said that the purpose of the cartel was to dominate the police force for personal interests. – The Vibes, November 16, 2021
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