DPM: Govt studying three elements before deciding on Memali RCI
Panel has to determine if there is foul play, identify person who ordered op, says DPM
THE government is reviewing three elements before deciding whether or not to set up a royal commission of inquiry into the 1985 Memali incident, says the deputy prime minister.
“For the first element, we want to see if there was an instruction for the police to shoot dead not only Ibrahim Libya, but others, too,” said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“For the second element, which is based on the instruction (first element), we hope it was for safeguarding security, and not a political order.
“For the third element, we want to see if there was mistreatment. The RCI will investigate who was the important figure who gave instructions to launch the operation in Memali.”
Zahid, who is Bagan Datuk member of parliament, said this after attending a luncheon with police officers at the Hutan Melintang police station here yesterday.
“There are so many aspects and elements that need to be considered before any decision is made.
“This matter will be taken to the cabinet to decide on the suitable time to form the RCI.”
A total of 18 people, including four policemen, were killed during the Memali incident in 1985.
Many were also injured when the police launched an operation to arrest Ibrahim Mahmud, a religious teacher popularly known as Ibrahim Libya.