Viewpoint: IGP's Shootout Offer to MP is Unprofessional and Absurd

By YB Azmin Ali, Deputy President, Parti Keadilan Rakyat

Soure: fz.com

I refer to the IGP's challenge to KEADILAN Vice President, YB N. Surendran to accompany the police on a 'shoot out' with alleged criminals.

This is an irresponsible and unacceptable challenge by Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to a sitting Member of Parliament who has raised legitimate concerns on the 'shoot first' policy of the Home Minister.

Instead of issuing such challenges, the IGP should address the concerns of all Malaysians over the shocking admissions made by Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi over the past week. His statements are tantamount to an admission that suspects were being deliberately shot dead by police.

Further, it is very disturbing that the IGP has asked N. Surendran to sign an indemnity absolving the police for any 'mishaps' that may happen when he accompanies the 'shoot- out' team. Is the IGP asking N. Surendran to sign his own death-warrant? Why are the police so quick to absolve themselves of liability, although the IGP himself had made the offer to N. Surendran?

We have never disputed that our law enforcement officers put themselves at risk, and we deeply appreciate their sacrifices. What we do dispute is any use of excessive force by police and the illegal, high-handed and criminal 'shoot first' policy.

The effective and professional way to address these issues is by establishing a body like the IPCMC to ensure that the police follow prescribed SOPs and that errant personnel are appropriately dealt with. Instead, the IGP issues an arrogant and outrageous challenge to an elected representative of the people.

His behaviour is totally unbecoming that of the head of the Royal Malaysian Police Force and we must remind him that while the position comes with immense power, it also carries grave responsibilities.

Mohamed Azmin Ali

Deputy President, Parti Keadilan Rakyat