IGP acted unlawfully in stopping 1MDB forum — N Surendran

(Malay Mail Online) – This morning the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar ordered a public discussion on 1Malaysia Development Berhad which was to be attended by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to be cancelled on grounds of ‘public peace and harmony’.

Worse, police entered the premises of the forum and prevented former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad from continuing his speech.

This action by the IGP is both undemocratic and blatantly unlawful.

The police have no powers under the Police Act 1967 or any other Malaysian law to prohibit the open discussion of a matter of public finance and accountability.

How can a forum on the mismanagement of a public body be a threat to “public peace and harmony”?

The action of the IGP in stopping the forum is thus arbitrary, in breach of the rule of law and the right to freedom of expression under the federal constitution.

The IGP and police force have no duty, right or power to regulate public discourse in this country. They have grossly overstepped their powers and must be reined in.

Najib and the BN government owe all Malaysians an immediate explanation for this morning’s disturbing events. In particular, there must be an independent inquiry into the actions of the IGP in ordering the cancellation.

The time has come for all Malaysians, irrespective of political affiliation, to unite against the increasing erosion of the rule of law and negation of our fundamental freedoms.