IGP says Anwar event in UM’s hands, police will not interfere

(Bernama) – As the police will not interfere in the internal affairs of Universiti Malaya (UM), it is up to the university to decide whether Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should be given the green light to enter its premises for an oratory programme tonight.

As such, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police would leave the matter to the university concerned.

“Nevertheless, we will monitor and place policemen outside the university compound, especially in the vicinity of the Ar-Rahman Mosque to ensure no untoward incident.

“That is our responsibility, to ensure the safety of the public outside the university grounds… but in the university (compound), it will be up to the university authorities,” he said.

He said this at a media conference after a ceremony to honour the ‘Unsung Heroes’ of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 Rescue Team at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seri Ampangan here today.

Also present were Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Osman Salleh and SMK Seri Ampangan principal Mohd Sazali Sam.

It was reported that the University Malaya Graduates’ Association will proceed with the programme at the campus tonight, despite a warning issued by UM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Rohana Yusof against the move.

In another development, Khalid advised all quarters, including non-governmental organisations, to respect the process of the law, including in Anwar’s sodomy appeal case at the Federal Court.

“Let the court sit in peace and make its decision,” he said.