Stop accusing police of being racist, says IGP
(The Malay Mail Online) – Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar is frustrated over racist comments online, and allegations of police inefficiency and unfairness over the Kuantan road rage case.
He said the punishment meted out on Siti Fairrah Asyikin Kamaruddin, better known as Kiki, had nothing to do with her race.
“There have been remarks thrown at the police force that we are supporting a certain race and being biased in our investigation. There is no truth to this at all,” he said in a statement.
Just two hours after Khalid issued the statement to the media, he tweeted that a senior police officer who posted a racist remark had been immediately transferred.
The senior officer, with the rank of ASP, who is with the Criminal Investigation Department of the Kulim police headquarters, had been transferred to general police duties at Bukit Aman after a direct order from Khalid.
Khalid said the public had been commenting on social media that police action in the Kuantan case was unfair.
“There are claims we supported the person at fault just because of her race,” he said.
He said police investigated each case fairly and there were various technical aspects in conducting an investigation.
“In Siti Fairrah’s case, the investigation was completed quickly because she cooperated with police, even surrendering and admitting her wrongdoing,” he said.
Khalid gave another example of the case of sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, in which police were also accused of being racist.
“We carried out an investigation fairly and the case is now in court,” he said.
“In both these cases police were not selective or biased towards any party.”
Khalid said all cases were carried out based on procedures and existing laws.
“People should avoid making racist allegations in social media because they cause unrest among the public and could lead to bigger racial problems,” he said.
He said those sharing false information online can be investigated for improper use of network facilities or network service, or defamation.
