GEORGE TOWN: A full investigation into the controversy involving Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain is needed before conclusions are drawn from footage of the incident, says MCA Youth vice-chairman Tan Yang Pang.
The circumstances surrounding Shuhaily’s confrontation with two unidentified individuals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Monday (Sept 28) should be established based on facts and evidence rather than the viral video alone, he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 2).
Tan said Shuhaily had acknowledged that he was not perfect, expressed his willingness to confront his shortcomings and stated that he would accept whatever decision was made by the relevant authorities.
"He has also openly said that if driving change requires him to face consequences, he is prepared to bear that responsibility," he said.
Shuhaily said on Thursday (Oct 1) he had informed the highest levels of government and the Home Ministry about the incident and would accept whatever decision was made.
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He also said he was prepared to leave the matter to the authorities to investigate, while stressing that AKPS would cooperate fully with the investigation.
Tan said such willingness to face scrutiny and take responsibility for his leadership approach should be considered objectively.
He said meaningful reform in a law enforcement agency could not be achieved through systems and technology alone, but also required internal discipline, effective execution and a leadership culture willing to address problems.
"MCA Youth does not condone inappropriate forms of communication, and leaders have a responsibility to constantly reflect on and improve their management approaches.
"However, one controversial incident should not completely overshadow efforts to drive change, nor should those responsible for enforcing discipline and raising standards be deterred from acting simply because of public backlash," he said.
Tan said the priority is to let the investigation proceed according to due process.
"If wrongdoing is established, appropriate action can then be taken. Where improvements are identified as necessary, they can likewise be implemented.
"At the same time, the full background and circumstances surrounding the incident need to be established before any conclusions are drawn," he said.
Tan said reform in public institutions involved more than slogans, as it required confronting outdated practices, internal cultures and, at times, resistance to change.
He said those who drive reform must be prepared to face scrutiny, while the people also deserve to see the facts established and due process allowed to run its course.
On Monday, Shuhaily and his team were inspecting AKPS preparations at KLIA Terminal 1 ahead of the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026.
According to Shuhaily, AKPS and KLIA Aviation Security (Avsec) subsequently carried out a limited enforcement operation following complaints about a suspected foreign tout syndicate.
The operation led to the detention of a foreign national believed to be involved in the syndicate, who was taken to an Avsec baggage inspection room.
Two police reports were subsequently lodged against Shuhaily on Tuesday (Sept 29) and Thursday, while AKPS lodged its own report over the circulation of the footage and concerns that it could tarnish the agency's image.
