Ex-IGP: Special Branch’s refusal to carry out certain orders led to threat of axing head's contract

PETALING JAYA: The refusal of Bukit Aman's Special Branch to carry out certain orders led to threats to end the contract of its head, says Tan Sri Hamid Abdul Bador.

The former inspector-general of police claimed that he turned down the request and his action was not favoured by certain people, causing further requests for transfers of personnel.

He added that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was informed of the discontent of the Special Branch.

“The police force was lucky as the Prime Minister understood our situation and ordered the Special Branch to ignore the request and continue with our work, ” said Abdul Hamid to Sinar Harian.

He said that the pressure and work orders faced by the Special Branch began about a year ago.

Abdul Hamid also said that what the Special Branch went through was not an isolated case.

“It also involved other police departments, not only me, ” said Abdul Hamid.

He added that it included requests which had nothing to do with police duties.

“I cannot reveal what the request was but as it was not connected to the duties of the Special Branch or its mandate, but they refused to carry it out, ” said Abdul Hamid.

He said the head of Special Branch was advised on April 16 to let go of his position with one month's notice or face the termination of his contract, which he added should only end in June.

Abdul Hamid then said he took the matter to Muhyiddin.

“Thank God the Prime Minister said again that the Special Branch director should stay on until his contract ends, ” said Abdul Hamid.

Abdul Hamid - who retired as the IGP on Monday (May 3) - has been vocal of his unhappiness about the alleged political interference in the police.

In his final press conference before his retirement, he suggested that the Police Force Commission be chaired by a former judge or non-politician.

It is currently being chaired by the Home Minister.

However, legal experts have since said that such a suggestion can only be done if the laws on the setting up of the PFC was amended.