KUALA LUMPUR – Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador confessed that he is uncomfortable with the interference of Home Minister, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin in the management of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
During his final news conference as the IGP, three days before his retirement, Abdul Hamid also admitted that he did not have a harmonious relationship with Hamzah.
Abdul Hamid alleged that Hamzah politicised the PDRM since he assumed his position as the Minister and that is totally different from Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, during his reign as the Home Minister.
He had also met Hamzah face to face on that issue, however, they could not reach a solution as the minister wanted the power in PDRM.
“I have complained about the same thing to the Prime Minister and KSN (Chief Secretary to the Government),” he said during the news conference.
“The political meddling (in PDRM) must be avoided. Not in PDRM. It is not a minister’s job to supervise our daily job. He is given the power to determine the policy and direction, not to determine the CPO (Chief Police of State) or Director (Bukit Aman).
“There is a limit to his power,” he added.
Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid also confessed that he received a letter from Hamzah who wanted to revoke an order on the transfer of an officer, however, he proceeded with the transfer.
He also questioned the arrogance of Hamzah who allegedly has the authority as he is the Chairman of the Police Force Commission Board (SPP).
SPP, according to Hamzah, is a platform to discuss about the welfare of the stuck cases in PDRM, not merely for the transfer and appointment involving political interests.
“I am not venting out. This is for the benefit of the force. SPP is very important but they do not meet. Dozens of cases are stuck but they only had meeting for two hours, as though they were having coffee. That is why the SPP should not be chaired by a minister.
“When he became the chairman, political elements started to enter. SPP should be chaired by a former judge,” he said.
“SPP should also hold monthly meetings not quarterly meetings. There should be a SPP meeting today but I did not go. They only want to meet during my last day. There must be something,” he added.
Therefore, Abdul Hamid hopes that his successor who would be taking over from him beginning Monday, Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani would be able to continue to strengthen PDRM after this. –MalaysiaGazette