EWON, PHOONG LODGE POLICE REPORT OVER FORMER IGP'S CLAIM

Ewon (second left) and Phoong (second right) holding the police report as Chrisnadia (left) and Lahirul (right) look on.

5 May 2021

By Ilona Andrew

KOTA KINABALU: Two Sabah lawmakers today lodged a police report over former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador's revelation asserting the interference of police affairs by Home Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin.

Upko's Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick and DAP's Luyang Assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe lodged the report at the Kota Kinabalu District Police Headquarters.

"In our report, we mentioned two major matters, one of which involves a mention of a politician who took a private jet from the peninsula to Sabah in which he (Hamid) questioned where the money came from.

"During that time, some assemblymen in Sabah suddenly made the decision to jump party. We want this to be investigated," said Ewon when met by reporters at the police station.

He said they came forward as they are concerned about their fellow assemblymen allies and the ministerial interference that occurred in the administration of the police force, especially the shuffling of the police organisation.

"Hamid mentioned that since the beginning, Hamzah has stated his intention to give positions in the police force to particular people, which I think is something unhealthy.

"Therefore, we urge for a full investigation and the results be informed to people as they have the right to know," he said.

Ewon added that the people deserve to get the best service from the Malaysian Royal Police (PDRM) which is to ensure national security and fair law enforcement.

"(Politicians) are not supposed to use the police force for political purposes or use their positions in the government to decide the organisation of the police force.

"When that happens, the responsibility and effectiveness of police are no longer there as they are not ensuring national security and wellbeing, and not enforcing laws justly," he pointed out.

The vice president of Upko said the issue that came to light has only crushed the integrity of the force and caused people to lose respect.

"This is an opportunity for the police to earn back the rakyat's confidence. If this continues to be left unattended, and the police continue to enforce laws, what would the rakyat feel?"

Meanwhile, Phoong who is Sabah DAP Youth Chief mentioned that the allegation must be taken seriously as it came from one of the country's highest-ranking civil servants and not some random people.

"What he (Hamid) said was not a regular coffee shop talk, it is based on facts and proves, and without that, he wouldn't have mentioned anything in a press conference before his retirement.

"When he mentioned private jet and money, it is clear to me that this is money politics which involves the previous Sabah State election.

"This has brought damage to the state's democracy and as a concern Sabahan, I think we need to urge the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, and whoever's in charge to give us the full explanation," he said.

According to Phoong, the party has also proposed for the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to be established to further investigate the issue.

He asserted that some representatives from the opposition parties who were approached by certain political agents and offered to defect for monetary benefits have lodged police reports but have yet to see any action taken until today.

"If we truly want to safeguard the credibility and accountability of the police force, we must also establish the Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), which was an institutional reform proposed by Pakatan Harapan (PH)."

Also present were PKR Women Chief for Tuaran Division Chrisnadia Sinam; and Chairman of Sabah AMANAH Party; Lahirul Latigu who both emphasised that the people deserve to know the truth.

They said when the revelation came to light and was made by the country's number one law keeper, the people feel unsafe as to how tainted the laws have become.

"This issue is an eyeopener for many that the present-day government may not be suitable for the country," they stated.