Hishammuddin: Police finished probe on SM, AG next to act

The Sun Daily

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 14, 2011): Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said police has completed their probe into the banned ‘Seksualiti Merdeka’ event.

He said the investigation papers will be submitted to the Attorney-General's (AG) Chambers to decide on the next course of action.

“We have recorded statements from witnesses and individuals behind the programme and the investigation papers are complete,” Hishammuddin told reporters after officiating at the Police, Police chiefs, Commanders and Commandants Conference at the Royal Malaysian Police College in Cheras here, today.

“It will depend on the AG whether to proceed with meting charges or not,” he said.

The controversial sexuality rights festival was banned by police in view of public sentiment and complaints against it.

Police also issued a strong warning against those who defied the directive.

Former Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan who was supposed to have launched the event, was among those who had their statements recorded by police for her involvement.

Police banned the programme in view of the law in the country that does not recognise any deviationist activity that could destroy the practice of religious freedom.

The programme, an annual sexuality rights festival celebrating human rights of people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, was slammed by various non-governmental organisations – Islamic and non-Islamic.

It was feared that the programme could create disharmony, enmity and disturb public order.

A coalition of NGOs, artistes, activists and individuals has been organising the event since 2008.

On another matter, Hishammuddin said severe action will be taken against policemen who commit offences and tarnish the image of the force, with reference to an incident last week in Johor Baru where nine policemen were detained for being involved in an extortion case.

He said the policemen, aged between 20 and 35, will be charged in court soon, pending the completion of investigations.

“We will not tolerate such action from our policemen,” he said, adding that bad hats within the force represent a very small number but their actions could tarnish the reputation of the entire police force.

The suspects were detained in the Plentong area by a team of officers from the Johor Baru Utara district police headquarters following a complaint. They have been since remanded for investigations under Section 384 of the Penal Code for extortion.