Hamid pledges commitment to govt

KUALA LUMPUR: Special Branch Commissioner Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador, who reported for duty yesterday as the department’s new chief, has pledged that he will do his best to ensure implementation of policies under the new government is not disrupted.

“To realise its vision and expedite its policies, the government needs a department that is 100% professional and dedicated. This is the main role and function of the Special Branch in establishing peace and thwarting possible threats, ei- ther internally or externally, that might hinder the initiatives of the new government.”

Abdul Hamid said he will continue the good work of his predecessor Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff, but will align his focus to the needs of the current government.

On whether the Special Branch will act against parties posting slanderous and malicious comments about the new government on social media, he said Malaysia is a free country and there is freedom of speech, in line with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s vision.

“They can criticise and write what they want. However, if they cross the line and post content that threatens unity and national security, then we will take action.”

Abdul Hamid, 60, who went on early retirement in 2015, was recalled by Mahathir last week to helm the department.

He is also among four officials in a new special task force formed to probe the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.

In 2015, he went public to express dissatisfaction over non-action against those behind the 1MDB case, for which he was branded an “enemy of the state”.