Don’t make police a scapegoat, Johor exco member tells Syed Saddiq

JOHOR BARU: A Johor executive councillor has told Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman not to make the police his scapegoat.

Johor Tourism, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said Syed Saddiq spoke on a Facebook live session on Saturday (Jan 8) about police action being taken against Muda volunteers for not following procedures when handing out aid to flood victims.

Onn Hafiz said since Johor was hit by floods, many people - including the Johor royal family, state government, district offices, government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - have been working together to assist flood victims until today.

“As the exco member responsible for the youth portfolio in Johor, I can say that the state government appreciates and welcomes all, including NGO that want to help the flood victims," said Onn Hafiz.

“Among the agencies that have been directly assisting in the floods was the police so I condemn anyone who tries to take advantage of the situation and tarnish the police force’s integrity in carrying out their tasks,” he added in a statement on Sunday (Jan 9).

The Layang-Layang assemblyman thanked the individuals and NGOs that came forward to help and contribute to the flood victims in Johor through proper procedure and coordination with the respective district offices.

On Saturday (Jan 9), Syed Saddiq said six Muda volunteers were called up by police for providing aid for flood victims directly without going through official channels.

The Muar MP said the volunteers were assisting flood victims from Segamat as they personally asked for help.

He also asked the police not to treat volunteers like criminals just because they provide help directly to the victims.

Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz said when a police report was made against anyone who did not follow proper procedure, the police have the responsibility to open an investigation about the matter.

“Nobody is above the law, including Syed Saddiq and Muda. Syed Saddiq, who only came to Johor yesterday, should stop making the police a scapegoat.

“I am confident that the police do not intend to treat any volunteers like criminals. Thousands of volunteers have been helping out in Johor and they did not face any problem," said Onn Hafiz.

“For the well-being of Johor and the people, I hope that there will be no more politicising of the floods, especially in the state,” he added.