‘POLICE OFFICERS FREE TO VOTE FOR ANYBODY THEY WANT’

Former CID chief says he was never instructed to campaign for or support any party

ENFORCEMENT agencies, especially the police, have never been instructed to vote for any specific person or political party in any past or present General Election.

Former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Tan Sri Zaman Khan Rahim Khan said throughout his service in the force, he had never been instructed to campaign or support any party.

“It was my choice. In fact, everybody campaigning (in the 14th General Election) today is asking us to vote for them.

“I can vote for whoever I choose. It is up to me because nobody knows which box I mark.

“For more than 30 years I’ve been a police officer, nobody has ever told me who to vote for and I have my own choice,” he said.

Zaman was responding to former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s open letter seeking support from those in the police and military.

He said as a free and democratic country, the latter had all the right to say anything he wanted.

“We are a free country and he can write anything he wants, I can write anything. We have been through so many elections already and Malaysians know what they mark will not be known by anybody.

“I go in and cross whichever candidate or party I trust. That’s it,” he said.

Zaman, who was working during the May 13 tragedy, urged party supporters not to provoke security forces as it could compromise peace and harmony as well the smooth electoral process.

He said people have the right to demonstrate or show their support to their chosen candidate and political party, but everything needs to be kept in check to ensure no untoward incident occurs.

In the letter, Tun Mahathir had asked the police and military personnel not to act aggressively against the people if they were instructed by the prime minister.

Zaman, in response to this, said he has never heard of any minister or anyone from a political party telling the police or army to provoke the public or act in such a manner.

“I don’t know why he gave this advice but to be fair to him and to be fair to the police and military, the public should not provoke them when they are trying to keep order,” he said, adding that the forces could not allow any situation to intensity.