KUALA LUMPUR – A probe conducted by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) could not verify claims made by former inspector-general of police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador on cartels reportedly existing within the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP).
The commission, in a statement today, however, revealed that its investigations managed to unearth the involvement of officers with criminal syndicates.
“Based on statements from witnesses and through documents obtained, the EAIC cannot verify the existence of cartels within the RMP, as previously alleged by Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.
“EAIC’s investigations found a basis that there are RMP officers involved in criminal syndicated activities as per investigations conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and RMP against these officers,” according to a statement issued by EAIC chairman Sidek Hassan.
In March last year, Hamid, during his final press conference before retiring, had alleged the existence of cartels within the force plotting his downfall as the then-IGP.
Hamid, in the explosive press conference, had also claimed that there were corrupt officers and personnel within the Police Force Commission (SPP) who were using their positions to influence the appointment and promotions of officers.
He had alleged the corrupt officers were seeking to bring him down with the help of several politicians trying to push their own agendas.
Mechanisms for appointing, promoting officers not susceptible to influence: EAIC
EAIC, in its statement today, however, denied the existence of such corrupt officers within the SPP.
It maintained that evidence obtained through its probe had shown that RMP and SPP’s mechanisms for appointments, transfers, and promotions involved a detailed and multi-levelled process, which they said would be difficult to penetrate or influence.
“The IGP is also a permanent member of SPP, and any form of suggestions, appointment, promotion, or transfers of senior RMP officers through the SPP requires the approval of the IGP.
“The position of Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador as the IGP was not under threat, because the appointment of the IGP is based on the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on the advice of the prime minister,” wrote Sidek.
Last year, Hamid had also claimed that politicians were behind the supposed cartels and the appointment process, but later gave his assurance that the matter could be resolved internally without the involvement of MACC, SPP, or the Home Ministry.
Hamid was appointed the IGP by the Pakatan Harapan government in May 2019. His tenure lasted until his retirement in May 2021. – The Vibes, February 22, 2022
