IGP: Everything under control; no need for RCI, MACC to get involved in police ‘cartel’ issue
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador reiterated today there was no need for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to deal with the supposed “cartel” within the police force.
Stressing that he has everything under control, Abdul Hamid explained that he has already brought up the matter for discussion with the director of Bukit Aman’s Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) for necessary action to be taken.
“So do not be alarmed. I appreciate the reaction from the public and that shows how important the issue of corruption and wrongdoing by policemen is.
“When there was an opportunity for them to discuss (the issue) in public, they came out in full force. I appreciate that.
“I hope this will spur my men on, and make them realise what the public expects of them as members of the force,” he said during a press conference here.
Last week, Abdul Hamid revealed a so-called conspiracy within the force to remove him from his post through the existence of a “cartel” comprising younger officers seeking to bring him down and control the force for its purposes.
Explaining the cartel activities within the police force, the top cop said that he wants to stem the culture of corruption among cops.
He also said this culture has spread to the top echelons of the force.
Several days ago, Abdul Hamid declined to reveal the identities of the officers who are supposedly part of a corrupt cartel within the police force despite repeated calls.
He rubbished the notion that he had exposed the cartel to gain leverage for a possible extension of his service beyond the mandatory retirement age, saying he brought the issue to light to let the public know of the actual situation within the force. The IGP is expected to retire in May.
Today, he implored the public to not become enablers themselves and act responsibly as they too play a role in stemming the culture that persists.
“I am not ashamed to admit that this is taking place because if I had not done so, when would ever we learn?
“It is better to be ashamed of myself now so we can remedy the matter at hand,” he said. MM
