KUALA LUMPUR: Police have rapped the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) over its claim that the Bukit Aman Special Branch was involved in the disappearances of pastor Raymond Koh and social activist Amri Che Mat.
Acting Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said Suhakam’s allegation had impacted the police force badly.
He said police were now conducting damage control.
“As the current Bukit Aman Special Branch director, I feel stressed at what was expressed by Suhakam for connecting the branch with illegal actions despite not being in that position when the incidents took place,” he told a media conference after a cadet inspector basic police training passing out parade here today.
Hamid said a special team had been set up to investigate the allegations.
He said police had given their cooperation in the inquiry by Suhakam.
He said there was no information on Amri and Koh currently, as the two cases took place in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
“I was not there during the events and have no information on the incidents, so I am confident the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun will give his statement to answer all allegations raised soon,” he said.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was quoted as saying that the government would open a new investigation.
However, he said, the government would wait until the appointment of the new IGP was finalised.
Fuzi, who is scheduled to retire as IGP next month, was the Special Branch head at the time.
On April 3, Suhakam issued a report following an 18-month inquiry into several missing persons cases.
The inquiry proceeding was chaired by Suhakam commissioner and former Appeals Court judge Mah Weng Kwai. — BERNAMA