Outgoing Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan should take responsibility for his claim of ‘third party interference' in police affairs and lodge a formal report, said PKR strategic director Tian Chua.

NONE He said it is irresponsible for Musa ( right ) to have made such a statement, which looks like a calculated move to hit out at certain parties, and then wash his hands clean of the issue.

"He is probably after the Home Ministry. It is no secret that (minister) Hishamuddin (Hussein) had lobbied for his (Musa's) contract not to be extended," Tian Chua said when contacted today.

Musa claimed yesterday at his last official press conference in Bukit Aman that the police faced constant interference from third parties, naming the Home Ministry as among the culprits.

He however stopped short of naming individuals, painting his complaint in broad strokes.

 'Report to ombudsman'

Tian Chua pointed out that instead of politicising the nation's security sector, Musa should lodge a report with an ombudsman, the Public Complaints Bureau and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to make sure the problem is eradicated from the police force.

"He has to take responsibility for what he said. He has to cooperate and volunteer the information because it is totally irresponsible for him to do this (make the statement)."

NONE DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua ( left ) stressed that Musa, who retires on Sept 12, raised a very serious claim which has parallels with the government's alleged interference in the corruption trial of Pakatan Rakyat de-facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

He said it was disappointing that the outgoing IGP had not taken action himself, saying that it is reflective of Musa's ineffectiveness when serving as the nation's top cop.

"He has tarnished the image of the police and Home Ministry. The responsibility now falls on the incoming IGP to conduct a full investigation to ensure the integrity of the police is not compromised and stop (interference) from happening," Pua said.

  Wayang kulit

PKR vice-president Sivarasa Rasiah noted that Musa should stop playing wayang kulit (shadow puppets) and identify the alleged culprits meddling with police affairs.

He said Musa's statement only showed his unprofessionalism and "further undermines his credibility, which is already at its lowest ebb".

"What he is saying is serious. If it is true, the public has a right to know. We don't know who he is attacking and he has to say it straight so the public can evaluate for itself," he said.

Transparency International Malaysia president Paul Low emphasised that the police must observe its chain of command as outside interference in carrying out their duties could prove "quite dangerous".

"The integrity of the office of the IGP needs to be safeguarded. Everyone down the chain needs to know who are their bosses, especially the police, who are supposed to be very regimented and disciplined," he said.