Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Minister’s denial confirms discord with IGP


The discord between Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan has become increasingly visible following Hishammuddin’s denial that the ministry had rejected the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) application to establish a 50-personnel strong auxiliary police unit.

The FMT Staff yesterday reported that Musa had been informed that MBPJ had set aside RM4.2 million a year to maintain the unit.

But despite this, Musa had rejected the application in a letter dated March 17 on grounds that it would be a duplication of powers.

Hishammuddin today said the home ministry had never rejected any application from any organisations which aims to assist the police fight crime in the country.

He said the Royal Malaysian Police should have approved the application because any effort to assist the police force was a good move.

His statement, according to Machang MP Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, confirmed speculations that things were not right between the country’s top cop and his minister following several issues, including Musa’s purported resignation and his claim of a “third party” interference in police administration.

“It’s obvious that there is a dispute here, what with the resignation letter and Musa’s claim of third party interference .

“The home minister’s statement was clear. There is no need to dispute it. It shows something unhealthy about efforts to curb crime.

“I feel they should resolve their conflict so that the country's security is guaranteed,” he said.

Hishammuddin, meanwhile, welcomed MBPJ’s move to set up an auxiliary police unit and urged the council to refer its proposal to him directly for review.

courtesy of FMT

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