IGP plays down police dissent against Zahid

Inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar has accused Malaysiakini of attempting to drive a wedge between the police and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
 

He said this when asked to respond to Malaysiakini's report today on police officials taking to social media to mock Zahid for sending a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Paul Phua, who is allegedly linked to 14K, an international crime syndicate.

 

"You see, I want to call in the Malaysiakini chief editor (for questioning). This (article) is an attempt to instigate the police (against) the minister.

 

"I can't let this go on. If Malaysiakini continues to play this up, I think they are looking for trouble. Don't try to stir things up between the police and the minister. 

 

"Report factual matters only. If there are police officers (who are not happy), let me know who they are. Who were the ones who said this?" asked Khalid.

 

Khalid was speaking to reporters after attending a function in Putrajaya.

 

Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported that several police officials have been openly criticising Zahid for writing a letter to the FBI in support of Phua (left), despite the latter's history with illegal gambling syndicates.

 

Phua has been convicted before in Miri for running an illegal gambling ring in 2004. He is currently facing trial in the United States for similar charges after being arrested last year.

Following this, Zahid wrote to the FBI claiming that Phua had no links with the 14K triad and had previously helped Malaysia on "national security" matters.

Cops watching alleged 'economic saboteur'

On a separate matter, Khalid said cops will investigate The Edge Media group owner Tong Kooi Ong if there is any truth to allegations the tycoon was engaged in economic sabotage.

"If it is true, he must be ready to face the country's laws," said Khalid.

However, Khalid declined to elaborate on whether police had opened investigations against Tong, merely stating that cops will probe any threat to the country's security and prosperity.

Tong (left) has vehemently denied engaging in currency speculation, an allegation levelled against him by an anonymous blogger.

On another matter, Khalid said Malaysian authorities has yet to receive confirmation on whether Zulkifli bin Hir, better known as Marwan, had been killed in clashes with Philippines forces.

"We are relying on the Philippines police department, there has been many reports, some say there was a cut finger but we are waiting for their official report," he said.

Zulkifli, a Malaysian who is among the most wanted terrorists in South East Asia, was reportedly killed by Philippines forces on Jan 25.

44 Filipino commandos were killed in the operation, the heaviest number of single-day casualties in recent history for the country.

The top cop also warned secessionists in Sabah that police will go after them following the arrest of nine individuals in Sabah last night who allegedly distributed pamphlets calling for secession from the federation.

"To those who are inciting the rakyat to support them for Sabah and Sarawak to exit Malaysia, wait for our action," he said.

On the 1MDB probe, Khalid said the investigation is still ongoing.