The “Thirteen Million Ringgit Question”: Isn’t that Home Minister interfering into Police work? Aren’t directives supposed to come from the Police Force hierrachy; i.e. the IGP instead of the Home Minister? Does that statement explains that the Police Force (at operational level) receives ‘directives’ from the Home Minister?

There is a chain of command in the Police Force. The Home Minister supposed to be the head of policy making in the Home Ministry. Means that he sets the strategic direction to the Police Force. That will then be translated by the IGP to his officers and men and women at the operational level.

This is also about accountability. The IGP is accountable for the Police Force. What will happen if the Home Minister starts to dictate the operations of the Police Force, at the State Contigent or District level? Will the OCPD, CPO, Directors of Divisions and IGP be accountable on ‘directives’ that comes from the Home Minister?

The Police Force is supposed to be professional in carrying out their duties in policing and enforcing the law. The must not and should not ever be seen as an ‘extended arm’ of the political masters. The Police Force in return must be accountable in the decisions taken on managing the law enforcement work, as per provided under the Police Act, which was enacted in 1967.