It’s an internal police matter, says MACC chief

Allegations by recently retired inspector-general of police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador of political interference in the management of the force is an internal police problem, says the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief.

“I feel this is an internal police problem. Let the police settle it themselves, I don’t wish to comment,” Datuk Seri Azam Baki said after launching a joint anti-corruption programme with the National Culture and Arts Department here yesterday.

Azam was asked about Abdul Hamid’s claims of political interference in the Police Force Commission and management of the force.

On another claim by Abdul Hamid that politicians were being enticed to switch parties, Azam said there was no law against it.

“Anyone who wants to switch parties is free to do so as there are no anti-hopping laws to prohibit them from doing so.

“As such, I do not wish to comment much on the matter either.

“If there is an investigation by the MACC, it would relate more to offences under the Elections Act such as the buying of votes by a candidate,” he said.

Azam cited the recent example where investigations showed that no criminal offence was committed with regard to claims by PKR’s Sekijang MP Natrah Ismail that she was offered RM10mil to switch parties.

On another matter, he confirmed that only two MACC officers were being investigated by the police over suspected links with “Nicky Gang”, adding that they would be suspended from duty if they were charged.

The syndicate, headed by fugitive businessman Nicky Liow Soon Hee, is suspected of being involved in a slew of money laundering and commercial crime offences.

Abdul Hamid previously said Liow had at least 34 law enforcement officers under his “payroll”.