Cops will act against outriders, MP’s son if wrongdoing proven: Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR – Police will not refrain from acting against the two outriders and the lawmaker’s son in a recent incident in Penang if the evidence points to wrongdoing, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

Hamzah said an internal probe by police is still underway, adding that only selected individuals are afforded the outrider service on public roads.

“We do not just allow anyone to be included on the list of those able to receive such facilities; it would need approval from the inspector-general himself,” he said after attending the Royal Malaysian Police Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the police training centre here today.

He added that a decision will be made once investigations are completed.

“If any offences or breaches of the law have been committed, we will take action, and these are all subject to the investigation.”

When pressed, Hamzah refused to confirm or deny who could have been in the wrong based on preliminary information.

A video purportedly showing Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim’s son driving in Penang escorted by two traffic police officers has gone viral, prompting questions of why he was afforded the outrider service.

In one of the videos, an outrider appeared to stop an oncoming car looking to make a turn, allowing Khairul’s vehicle to run the red light.

The oncoming vehicle can be seen braking abruptly to avoid colliding with the outrider, who is on a motorcycle in the recording.

His Instagram account @anwarazeez, with more than 37,000 followers, has since been made private.

Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said the two traffic police officers caught on video have been transferred to the administrative division until the investigation is completed.

‘Party-hopping is normal’

Meanwhile, Hamzah, also Bersatu’s secretary-general, said it is normal to take in party-hoppers as it has been happening since the time of the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman.

He added that decisions to switch parties depend on individual political ideals, but it is more important that they prioritise their constituents.

“What is more important is that the government is a stable one that can ensure policies are implemented properly. The people will feel uneasy with a topsy-turvy leadership.

“Whether a party member enters or exits their party is something normal which has been happening for some time.”

He said this when asked to comment on Bersatu’s stand, following Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Md Alwi Che Ahmad’s call to fellow party leaders to be open, and not vengeful, to MPs who want to return to the fold. – The Vibes, May 11, 2022