Kit Siang challenges Syed Hamid to a TV debate

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang blasted Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar in Parliament today for allegedly attempting to demonise him by portraying him as an enemy of the country's police force.

The veteran politician also challenged Syed Hamid to a public debate to be telecast live on the crime situation in the country.

Speaking at a press conference, Lim said Syed Hamid, through the mainstream media, had manipulated his criticisms of the police force in an effort to portray him as the police's "number one enemy".

"I regret that instead of responding positively and responsibly to my criticisms about the worsening crime situation in the country, Syed Hamid has launched a campaign to demonise me as an enemy of the police as illustrated by the newspaper headlines today," he said.

All Malay dailies today reported Syed Hamid's criticism of Lim for his previous oppugn on the police for being inefficient in tackling the rising crime rates in the country.

Denying the allegation, Lim said he never considered the police his enemies as he believes the force plays an "important and critical function to keep the country safe and secure for socio-economic and political progress".

He, however, said it was his duty to act as a "check and balance" and hold the entire public service, including the police and government leaders, accountable to the people.

He also expressed shock and disappointment with Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung who on Monday allegedly said the supposed worsening crime situation in the country was a "misperception".

Lim said it was "irresponsible and insensitive" for the deputy minister to make such a statement and called for Chor to be sacked.

"But Syed Hamid will not do such a thing, as he not only condones Chor in such irresponsible talk, he is probably in full agreement with Chor," added Lim.

Minister shoots down debate challenge

Met at the Parliament lobby later, Syed Hamid dismissed Lim's challenge and blasted it as an attempt by the DAP politician to gain publicity.

"I don't want to debate because I don't want to gain political publicity. If he wants to talk to me, then he should come and talk to me," he said.

When asked to comment on Lim's denial that he had slammed the police, Syed Hamid maintained his view that the DAP politician did condemn the country's police force.

"You can go ahead and check his previous statement," commented Syed Hamid.