KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) — The government will not compromise or apply double standards when dealing with any enforcement officer found to have violated the law, even if the individual has an outstanding track record, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He cited the 1998 incident involving former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor, who was still sentenced to imprisonment for assaulting a detainee.
“We must remember that no matter how good an officer is, he must abide by the rules. If there are allegations that someone has been abused, the matter must go through the proper process.
“Arau knows that in 1998, the Inspector-General of Police was jailed for assaulting someone. Does that mean he had no merits? He did. So, there are two things here: the work must be carried out professionally, but if there are actions that violate the law, they must be dealt with through the proper process,” he said.
The Prime Minister was answering a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kasim (PN-Arau) during the Ministers’ Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Shahidan had questioned the rationale behind the transfer of Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain back to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), despite his outstanding performance. He also questioned the decision that allegedly took into account a police report rather than the agency’s internal report following the circulation of a security video clip.
Commenting further, the Prime Minister said Mohd Shuhaily’s appointment was previously made based on an assessment of his performance and capabilities.
However, he stressed that should any reports or allegations of misconduct arise, a thorough investigation must be conducted in accordance with the law, without any political interference.
He said any decision to prosecute was entirely under the purview of the Attorney-General’s Chambers, based on the outcome of police investigations.
“Personally, I do sympathise with him. However, if there are allegations, whether from the public or the police, that is a matter for investigation. Do not ask me or the Home Minister to interfere.
“When a civil servant is charged, he will be transferred or relieved of his duties in accordance with procedures. We should not regard this as a controversial or politically motivated issue. It is not,” he said.
On Oct 29, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that the Home Ministry (KDN) had decided to return Mohd Shuhaily, who was serving as AKPS director-general on secondment, to PDRM.
On Oct 21, Mohd Shuhaily pleaded not guilty at the Sepang Magistrate’s Court to two charges of voluntarily causing hurt to two Special Branch policemen at Terminal 1 of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Sept 28.
— BERNAMA