Don T Stir Up Sensitivities Political Parties Urged

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KUALA LUMPUR: Members and leaders of political parties should not touch on racial and religious issues that might disrupt unity and jeopardise the nation’s security, says Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.

The Inspector-General of Police said such sensitive issues could spark unwanted tension among people from various races and religions.

“Such issues will not benefit any party or individual. Politicians should be more responsible in terms of what they do or say and not cause racial and religious tension,” he said at a press conference in Bukit Aman yesterday.

The IGP said investigating such issues were a further burden on the police.

“Our resources could have been focused on curbing other crimes and tackling other pertinent issues relating to safety and security.

“My men had to sacrifice their weekends with families to deal with the fallout of such issues, including rallies,” he said.

Abdul Hamid said he also hoped political leaders could understand the country’s dynamics more.

“Our differences should be used to foster unity and achieve more success as a nation.

“All problems can be solved amicably and in a civilised manner while certain actions could worsen any conflict,” he said.

Be it as it may, the IGP said the police would take stern action against those who spark racial and religious tension in the country.

“We have and will continue to take action against those who harp on sensitive issues,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hamid said their main focus this year would be on strengthening the integrity of police personnel and officers.

“With high integrity, the quality of service will improve and more can be done in the war against crime.

“We will also prioritise the safety and security of the people,” he said.

Abdul Hamid hoped the police would regain a high level of respect from society.

“I want the police to be respected and revered as much as they were during the conflict against the communists,” he said.

He said the Bukit Aman Commercial Crimes Investigation Department recorded 26,466 cases involving losses of RM6.2bil, while the Internal Security and Public Order Department recorded a total of 1,371 arrests in connection with contraband cigarettes and other seizures worth RM262.4mil.

The Bukit Aman CID also recorded 83,476 crime index cases last year, a drop of 5.8% compared to 2018. - Star

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