LETTER | Take allegations on dirty cops cartel more seriously

LETTER | The government and the relevant stakeholders must take the former inspector-general of police Abdul Hamid Bador’s allegations on the cartel within the force more seriously.

The repercussions and the implications in policing now and in future are at stake apart from the demoralising effect it will have on public trust and confidence.

This allegation is coming from the highest office in the police hierarchy and there is likely to be fire at the bottom of all this smoke.

The only drawback is that Hamid or those privy to the source of this information did not officially reduce it into writing by lodging a police report.

It is basic and required by law and Hamid being the guardian of the investigative limb in the criminal justice system at the material time, should have initiated criminal investigations and let the law take its course from the outset. Part of the inquiry must also probe as to why this was not done.

The Home Ministry has, in my view, prematurely refuted all the allegations even as they reiterate the EAIC are still probing the matter.

Obviously, there is a serious contradiction and a worrying conundrum of loose ends.

Hamid, who had the whole investigative system under his command, failed to take the necessary action at his disposal to verify these allegations before making them public.

Being the top cop at the time, he must have known the implications and repercussions it would create and should have prepared well ahead of the furore.

Police reports should have been lodged much earlier by those having first information or close to it and the former IGP should have steered these investigations to its conclusion.

Expecting others to lodge police reports although possible, will not have the desired effect especially when the source of the complaint is from or close to the top cop himself. His subordinates will be reluctant to take the bull by its horns.

Sufficient admissible evidence should have been gathered before such serious allegations were raised.

The EAIC at this cold stage will face an uphill battle handling investigations involving purported suspects who are experienced and seasoned cops.

The element of risk and danger increases if the offences satisfy the ingredients of serious crimes.

These alleged wolves in clothing can be more dangerous than hardcore criminals. The cart was put well before the horse and more questions are now being asked and the longer the issue drags on, the less likely we are going to get to a plausible conclusion.

This serious blot in the proud legacy of the Malaysian police must be put to bed as soon as possible.

An independent inquiry should be held as soon as possible, and I presume the former IGP will be willing to assist to prove these allegations.

The inquiry must be independent and have the required experience to handle the expected difficulty in gathering the necessary evidence.

All the powers and tools of criminal investigations as stipulated in the criminal procedure code must be made available.

Interested parties who have been named or even implied by Hamid in his cartel allegations, must not be involved in the formation of the inquiry.

The police service deserves much better and we owe it the proud legacy of our police service to swiftly bring clear and proper closure to these serious allegations.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.