Twentytwo13

Doubts over SOP adherence in Macau scam suspect’s escape

A top criminologist has questioned the standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the release and re-arrest of detainees between law enforcement agencies following the escape of the main suspect in a Macau scam from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s headquarters last week.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Assoc Prof Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy described the escape of 32-year-old Goh Leong Yeong @ Alvin from the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on Oct 11 as one that “truly defies logic”.

“Surely the MACC has clear-cut SOPs on the release of detainees to other law enforcement agencies,” said Sundramoorthy.

Goh, who is also wanted for money-laundering and online betting, was released on MACC bail along with several other suspects. They were supposed to be re-arrested by the police who were waiting for them at the main gate.

The suspects had boarded privately-owned multi-purpose vehicles after the bail process was completed. Goh, however, escaped from his vehicle and is reported to have jumped over the fence at the back of the MACC building with the help of his two bodyguards. He fled in a car that was parked by the roadside.

The other suspects were re-arrested by police at the main gate of the MACC headquarters.

Sundramoorthy pointed out there were stringent processes in such situations.

“Even in the private sector, any employee caught for a criminal offence would be placed in a holding room until he is handed to the police and this is followed by lodging a police report,” he said.

“The suspect will be brought to the office of the enforcement body so there is no chance of escape.”

Sundramoorthy also said the MACC appears to have not learnt from the past. He was referring to the death of political aide Teoh Beng Hock whose body was found at MACC’s building in Plaza Masalam, Shah Alam in 2009 and the death of Customs officer Ahmad Sarbini Mohamed, whose remains were found in MACC’s building in Jalan Cochrane, Kuala Lumpur in 2011.

“Common sense would dictate the subject (Goh) is of major importance to police. There are many questions here that the MACC needs to answer as it is a matter of national interest,” said Sundramoorthy.

“There are decorums to adhere to for re-arrest in court, which includes making the re-arrest only outside the physical building of the courthouse. But MACC is not a courthouse.”

Sundramoorthy added the arrest of policemen, including high-ranking officers, for their alleged involvement in the case also raises questions as to why it was not exposed by the police Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS), Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) but was left to MACC to open Pandora’s box.

“What was the relationship between JIPS, CCID and MACC? Were they not co-ordinating?”

“Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador has repeatedly said he has zero-tolerance on any act of deviation and corruption regardless of the rank of a police officer but he needs the support of his senior officials in weeding out the bad apples.”

Sundramoothry added it was crucial for MACC and police to explain the fiasco.

Here’s the round-up of The News Normal today.

EMCO FOR NINE PRISONS, DETENTION CENTRES

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that nine prisons and detention centres in Perlis, Kedah, Perak and Selangor will be placed under Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).

The nine are Perlis Correctional Centre; Sungai Petani Prison, Taiping Prison, Kamunting Correctional Centre, Tapah Prison, Sungai Buloh Detention Centre, Kajang Prison, Kajang Women Prison and Puncak Alam Correctional Centre.

Ismail said Anjung Teduh in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu, will also be placed under EMCO.

MALAYSIA IN THE THROES OF APOCALYPTIC POLITICAL DISSENSIONS

It is unfortunate politicians are always on the lookout for the best bargains, willing to lend support to any faction that would offer them a good deal, writes Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddin.

BWF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2020 CANCELLED

The BWF World Junior Championships 2020 has been cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are disappointed not to be able to stage the 2020 version of the BWF World Junior Championships, but the entry restrictions in place and complexities related to the Covid-19 situation makes it impossible for the event to be planned and therefore hosted in New Zealand in January 2021 as currently scheduled,” said BWF secretary-general Thomas Lund.

However, Badminton New Zealand is still committed to hosting the BWF World Junior Championships and BWF has accepted a proposal for the country to stage the 2024 edition as a replacement for the edition lost.