Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador has been told to name those whom he believes are involved in a cartel in the police force.
Datuk Jonathan Yasin (Bersatu-Ranau), who is deputy home minister II, said the allegations made by Abdul Hamid just as he retired in April 2021 could not be ascertained by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) that was tasked to investigate the matter.
Jonathan was responding to a question by Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) in the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon. Ramkarpal asked what had been done following Abdul Hamid’s damning allegations.
Abdul Hamid, in his final press conference, raised eyebrows when he claimed that there was a cartel within the police force that wanted to get rid of him because he had wanted to expose issues related to corruption within the force, and the promotion of personnel.
“Claims that there is a cartel in the police could not be ascertained. This was also the findings by the EAIC,” said Jonathan.
“EAIC was informed of the mechanisms that take place with regard to promotions. It goes through a stringent process.”
Ramkarpal found it strange that the EAIC and the ministry could not ascertain the allegation.
“It shows failure. Are we going to leave it at that? ‘We cannot ascertain’ (the claims)… is that all you are going to say?” asked Ramkarpal.
“The fact that the claim cannot be ascertained shows that the cartel exists. If it exists, it is a serious cancer.”
Ramkarpal asked if there would be additional steps taken by the ministry since there was no conclusive answer.
To that, Jonathan said: “The government is serious (about finding out) … whether there is a cartel or not.”
“It’s a damaging allegation and can tarnish the ministry and its agencies. There’s no clear evidence and the EAIC has provided their answers based on what they have investigated.
Jonathan said if Ramkarpal had evidence, he was free to pass the information on to the ministry.
“The evidence is clear, it’s from the former IGP. He said there’s a cartel. In police, there are ranks and we must protect those who want to reveal (the allegations),” Ramkarpal added.
“Have we taken concrete steps to get to the bottom of this?”
Jonathan replied that it was best for Abdul Hamid to lodge a report and provide all the information.
“Why didn’t he take steps to address this when he took over (as IGP)? Instead, just before retiring, he makes a general statement about the matter,” said Jonathan.
“If there is truth, please reveal the names of those involved. We are ready to investigate them.”
