No double standards as police arrested Ali Tinju too, says IGP
PUTRAJAYA: Mohd Ali Baharom a.k.a. Ali Tinju, was arrested and later released on bail for an alleged threat against Bersih 2.0 chief Maria Chin Abdullah.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said this showed that the police did not practise double standards while investigating the former soldier.
“We arrested him and released him on bail. Same with Jeff Ooi (the Jelutong MP). There is no double standard. They are subject to the same action.
“When Ali Tinju was summoned to have his statement record, he showed up promptly. When we summoned him at 8am, he arrived at 8.30am.
“He surrendered, we detained him and recorded his statement before releasing him on bail. Same with Jeff Ooi and the others.
“Don’t accuse us of double standards. If you aren’t sure, ask first,” he said after launching the 1Aman Week event here yesterday.
On a separate matter, Khalid said police would not allow any confrontation between the “Red Shirts” group and participants of the Bersih 5 rally scheduled for Nov 19.
He said that under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA), the two groups were required to submit a request to the police for permission to hold their respective rallies 10 days before the event.
“We won’t allow any confrontation. We would have to first review their applications and take action when the time comes.
“Those who want to hold a rally are required to submit their request for us to process and take the necessary action to ensure safety.
“The police are supposed to facilitate the rally. So give us 10 days to assist in planning the gathering so that it is carried on without untoward incidents,” he added.
Earlier this week, Sungai Besar Umno division chief Datuk Jamal Yunos lodged a report against Chin at the Dang Wangi police headquarters for allegedly inciting the people to oust the Prime Minister through street rallies.
Jamal, who is a leader of the ‘Red Shirts’, threatened to hold a counter-demonstration against the Bersih 5 rally on the same time and location, as well as be present for all its roadshows.