Tuesday March 16, 2010

Transition in police leadership

THE Royal Malaysian Police is going through a leadership transition which will also include the nation’s top cop Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

However, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the process should not be speculated about in the media and declined to name Musa’s successor or his retirement date.

“The police force is going through a leadership transition. However, its time and place are not determined by external pressure or the media but by Government leaders.

“This transition does not just involve the IGP because four of the seven directors in the force will also be retiring this year. In fact, one of them has started his leave prior to his retirement,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here yesterday.

He said he already knew who would succeed Musa and Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Commissioner Datuk Koh Hong Sun in their posts, but urged the media not to speculate.

Hishammuddin said the ministry had already asked China Press’ representatives to explain the article on Saturday, which had reported that Musa would step down on March 25 during a Police Day function and that his resignation had been accepted by both the Prime Minister and himself.

“If the explanation is unacceptable, then action will be taken,” he said.

Musa is due to retire in September.

On amendments to the Internal Security Act (ISA), Hishammuddin said the Bill was completed and was expected to be discussed at the Cabinet meeting this Friday.

He said engagement with various stakeholders on the amendments had gone “very well” although the ministry had yet to meet some groups.

“I want to look at it as a package. There are other statutes which we are looking at, like peaceful assemby or restricted borders,” he said.

News

Tuesday March 16, 2010

Transition in police leadership