SHAH ALAM, June 30: The court case involving the alleged abuse of power by the Inspector General of Police and the Home Affairs Minister has resulted in the low level of credibility of the two institutions.
“Cases like this clearly show an abuse of power while in the public office and appropriate action should be taken regardless of whom is involved,” said lawyer and Padang Serai Member of Parliament, N Surendran.
With a line of custodial death cases, the latest update is that the Kuala Lumpur High Court has rules that the Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar is to be held responsible for the death of A.Kugan while he was in police custody.
Kugan died due to physical abuse during police interrogation four years ago.
In his decision, Judge, Datuk V.T.Singham stated that Khalid, who at the time was the Selangor Chief of Police, neglected to ensure the safety of the detainee during interrogation.
Not only that, but on Thursday, the Court of Appeal rejected the appeal of the Home Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to ignore the suit against him from going to trial.
The suit was filed by businessman, Amir Bazli Abdullah against Zahid Hamidi who allegedly attacked him at the Country Heights Recreation Club in Kajang, Selangor, on 16 January 2006.
“If investigations and trial is necessary, the parties must carry out their responsibilities even if the one being investigated is a Minister,” stressed Surendran.
He, however, did not put any confidence that an appropriate action will be taken against the two individuals who holds top positions.
He said, based on past records, the police and ministries have never been allowed to freely carry out duties as outlines in the constitution. Instead, they only act in accordance with the political direction.
“Anyway, as we said before, we ask for the IGP to resign for failing to ensure the safety of detainees which resulted in death.
“We also urge for appropriate investigations to be carried out on Zahid (Hamidi), even more so if there is clear evidence and supporting documents in this case, including the plaintiff’s medical reports and so on,” added the PKR Vice President.
