Check first before endorsing

Stay away from firms with dubious backgrounds, says former IGP

PETALING JAYA: Public figures should always check the background of companies that approach them before giving their endorsement, said former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan (pic).

The former top cop said he had been approached by “hundreds” of businesses and associations to endorse them following his retirement in 2010, but said he stayed away from those he found dubious during background checks.

Despite that, Musa is no stranger to controversy over his public endorsements.

He was once patron of anti-crime watchdog MyWatch, whose chairman Datuk R. Sri Sanjeevan was recently arrested and on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to two charges of hiring an illegal worker and committing extortion last month.

Musa explained that Sanjeevan had asked for his endorsement, claiming to be advocating crime prevention.

“I tried to help him. Fighting crime is my passion. But then I saw something was wrong, so I left,” he said.

“Before a person joins any company they have to check the company first.

“So many companies have invited me but I don’t join them. I know these companies are not right. I would check the background first. Then only I will join,” said Musa.